Weir helping inspire future stars after iconic Westminster Mile victory

For veteran wheelchair racer David Weir, the Westminster Mile is more than just a race – it’s paving the way for the next generation.

The six-time Paralympic champion won Sunday’s wheelchair event with a time of 3:11, 14 seconds off his world record time set in 2016, when he became the first wheelchair athlete to complete a sub-three minute mile.

Founder of the Weir Archer Academy in Kingston, the 39-year-old is eager for young athletes to experience road races such as the Westminster Mile, hopeful it can provide ideal preparation for subsequent competition.

“It’s always amazing to race round here, it’s an iconic scene,” he said.

“It’s amazing for my academy, because the youngsters get a chance to race on the road at a lesser distance.

“The really young kids we’ve got know they can do a mile, but they don’t get the opportunity to race that.

“It gives them something to focus on every year, and come and do their best over a mile distance – finishing in this iconic finish, like you do with the London Marathon.

“It gets them used to that and then they can do the Mini Marathon when they get a bit older, so it’s great.

“It’s just a fantastic event, so I’d advise people to sign up for next year.”

The race attracts some of athletics’ biggest names, including female wheelchair champion Nikki Emerson, who finished in 3:58.

But the hot weekend ensured conditions were tough for all competitors, though Weir could have no complaints after crossing the line in first place.

“It was a bit tough today because of the pollen,” admitted Weir. “When you stop it gets in your throat.

“But that was probably where I’m about in training, to be honest – I didn’t specifically train for this event, so I’m happy with that time.”

You cannot blame Weir for not being at his peak form: just last month he won his seventh London Marathon, reconfirming his status as one of the greatest athletes ever.