Patmore wins bronze for Australia in morning session

Sprinter Simon Patmore has added a bronze to the Australian medal tally this morning at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch.

Heading into today’s T46 200m final as the fastest qualifier, the 23-year-old was forced to pull out all stops to cross the line third in an extremely close finish.

Born with erbs palsy that affects his left arm, Patmore posted 22.43 (w: +1.4) to further bolster his international resume on the back of his T46 100m gold medal at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in October.

Patmore was impressed by his first of two hit outs at the Championships but is acutely aware of the importance results here are leading into London.

“That’s great, just fantastic, I’m really happy with the result,” Patmore said.

“It’s been an exciting time for me since Delhi, but now it’s time to start fixing little mistakes as I continue to get ready for London in 2012.”

Patmore was edged out by Cypriot Antonis Aresti (22.25) and Brazil’s Yohansson Nascimento(22.35) in the closing stages of the race and will now shift his attention to the T46 100m heat tomorrow.

“I’ve still got the 100m tomorrow so tonight it will be rest and recovery as I hunt for another medal tomorrow,” Patmore said.

“My coach Brett Jones has been great so we’ll catch up to make a plan for what will hopefully be another strong performance.”

Compatriot Scott Reardon joined Patmore on track this morning, with the AIS scholarship holder placing fifth in the T42 200m final for leg amputees. At his first international appearance, Reardon was impressed by his start and now looks toward his preferred 100m dash with confidence.

“I got out well, that was the game plan but I didn’t quite bring it into the straight,” Reardon said.

“The 200m is relatively new for me and I know I am capable of a faster time.

“I’m feeling good for the 100m, the start is key and I’m doing that well so fingers crossed a strong result will follow.”