23 January 2020

Paul Blake hangs up his spikes after illustrious ten-year career

Paralympic champion Paul Blake admitted he had achieved more than he could have ever imagined, after announcing he was calling time on his ten-year career on the track.

The 30-year-old burst on to the scene with three medals at the World Championships in Christchurch in 2011 and has since remained one of the standout stars of GB’s athletics squad.

In total, he accumulated eight world medals - including four golds - but the Dorchester athlete insists the pinnacle of his career came at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, when he defied the odds to secure T36 400m gold from the outside lane.

“When I started in 2009, I didn’t think I’d achieve what I have in the sport,” he said. “I’ve had an amazing time during my career and enjoyed every step of the way, but winning Paralympic gold has to be the highlight.

“Every para athlete wants to win gold at the Paralympic Games and I’m so pleased I ran that race properly and came away with the win. It was also Paralympic GB’s 50th gold of the Games which made it even more special.

“Other standout moments include the London Games where I won two medals, and the 2013 World Championships where I beat Artem Arefyev to the gold in the 800m.”

Blake claimed the last of his four world golds in the T36 800m at the 2019 Championships in Dubai

Boasting success over the 400m, 800m and 1500m distances, Blake established himself as a key figurehead in world athletics and Paula Dunn - British Athletics para head coach - is sure his legacy will live on.

She added: “Paul has enjoyed an incredible career. He has been a consistent performer on the international stage for a long time and has won everything there is to win.

“He’ll start this next chapter of his life knowing he’s worked incredibly hard to achieve success in the sport and he should be very proud of what he’s done.”

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