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Gold! McKillop bags London double as he storms to remarkable ninth World title

The Antrim man stormed to victory in the T37 1500m final at the World Para Athletics Championships this evening.

MICHAEL MCKILLOP CRUISED to his second gold medal of the World Para Athletics Championships as he pulled off another impressive performance in London this evening.

2017 Para Athletics World Championships - Day 9 Michael McKilop won his second gold of the championships this evening. Luc Percival / Sportsfile Luc Percival / Sportsfile / Sportsfile

Just five days ago, the Antrim man bagged his eighth World gold in the T38 800m final and clocked a season’s best time.

And this evening, the 27-year-old pocketed his ninth — this time in the T37 1500m.

He pulled away from the field to storm to victory, and win Ireland’s seventh medal of the championship.

“I’m feeling fantastic,” he said after the race. “I think after five years of creating myself in para athletic sport and in this stadium at London 2012, it feels incredible. I have to enjoy these little moments.

“It’s a team effort. It’s funny because my dad still has his stop watches at about 150m to go. Obviously I can’t hear him but he is probably still shouting things, telling me to move instead of going so slow. But do you know what; I don’t really care.”

Ireland’s seven medals in total come in the form of McKillop’s double-gold, Jason Smyth’s two golds — T13 100m and 200m, Orla Barry’s F57 discus silver, Niamh McCarthy’s silver in F41 discus and Noelle Lenihan’s F38 discus silver.

Noelle Lenihan Noelle Lenihan with her silver medal. Kieran Galvin / INPHO Kieran Galvin / INPHO / INPHO

Earlier today, Meath native Paul Keogan won his heat to qualify for tomorrow’s T37 400m final.

“I’m delighted with that, I felt very much in control throughout,” the Cushionstown AC athlete said afterwards.

“It’s a great confidence boost and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the final tomorrow.”

Ireland’s Deirdre Mongan was in action this evening in the F53 shot putt final, but her best throw of 4.09m was unfortunately not good enough to challenge for a medal position.

She finished in seventh position.

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