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Michael McKillop today added a T38 1500m title to the T38 800m he won earlier in the week (file pic). Joe Morgan
Winning

Ireland's McKillop secures double gold at European Championships

The Irish team have now won a total of four gold and one silver at this year’s event.

IRISH ATHLETE MICHAEL McKillop has secured a second gold medal at the Paralympic Athletics European Championships in Swansea today.

McKillop added a T38 1500m title to the T38 800m he won on Wednesday, triumphing with a time of 4:16.73, comfortably ahead of second place Louis Radius (4:21.44), with Dean Miller of Great Britain (4:22.24) in third.

Speaking following the race, the Antrim native said:  “The race started very slow, in fact it was the slowest first lap I can remember. I decided to go out front to ensure I wouldn’t get tripped but it just stayed so slow I decided to pick it up, and I just built it up from there.”

McKillop also paid tribute to those who helped him recover from a serious foot injury, which kept him out of action for most of last year.

“Championships are about medals and I’m absolutely delighted to have won both here. After a tough challenging year it’s very satisfying to finish the season on such a high. Massive thanks and credit must go to my dad (Paddy); my coach, and all the team at SINI (Sports Institute Northern Ireland) and everyone who has had a hand in getting me back in such good shape at the right time.”

The 24-year-old’s achievement means Ireland have won a total of four golds and one silver at this year’s event.

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