Weir to compete in Grand Prix Final

“The British public are so supportive of the Paralympic Movement and it’s brilliant for the sport that we have another high-profile event back in Britain so soon after the Games.”

British Athletics announced on Thursday (25 April) that six-time Paralympic champion David Weir will compete in the 1,500m T53/54 at the IPC Athletics Grand Prix Final on 29 June at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, but that he will not take part in the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships.

Birmingham will be the seventh and final event of the inaugural IPC Athletics Grand Prix series and will play host to over 140 athletes competing in 18 events.

The event will be part of a weekend festival of athletics and some of the biggest names in the world are set to compete as the IAAF Diamond League takes place on 30 June, with six Olympic champions confirmed including Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champion Mo Farah and Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherfod.

Weir famously stormed to victory in the 800m, 1500, 5000m and marathon T54 at London 2012 and is looking forward to the opportunity to compete in a major IPC event again in front of a home crowd.

“The profile of Paralympic sport has really risen since London 2012 and the development of the IPC Athletics Grand Prix Series is a really positive step ensuring the momentum keeps going,” Weir said.

“The Games last year was an amazing experience and I’m so proud that I was part of it.

“The British public are so supportive of the Paralympic Movement and it’s brilliant for the sport that we have another high-profile event back in Britain so soon after the Games.”

Tickets for the IPC Athletics Grand Prix Final on 29 June will go on sale at 10:00 (BST) on Friday (26 April).

Weir also announced he has decided not to compete at the World Championships in Lyon, France in July.

“I’ve decided not to travel to Lyon for the World Championships,” he said. “After a long chat with my coach, I want to reduce the number of international meets I commit to. I can spend a long time away from home at international competitions and with a young family I’d like to reduce the amount of time I’m travelling so I can spend more time with them.

“I’ve looked at my race calendar for the rest of the year and identified a select number of international races that work with my programme. My next international meet will be in Switzerland in May when I’ll compete in the marathon on 2 June.”

Related Images

Imagen

Caption

Gold medalist David Weir of Great Britain poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for Men's 800m T54 Final at the London 2012 Paralympic Games