Page 3 Profile: David Weir, Multiple Paralympic champion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I'm sure I've seen him on the top of a few podiums recently…
Yes you have. Weir, the 33-year-old Paralympic athlete from Sutton, has become one of the superstars of the London 2012 Games, claiming four gold medals to go along with the two gold, two silver and two bronze he won in the 2004 and 2008 Games. Fans have painted a postbox gold outside his home in Wallington.
So what makes him so special?
It is the sheer number of distances he covers, claiming gold in the T54 800m/1,500m/5,000m and the marathon, that astounds. Nicknamed "The Animal", it is as the Weirwolf that he has become known in London, with howls from the crowd and his team-mates greeting each win. He was born with a severed spinal cord, which left him unable to use his legs, but has become the epitome of the "Inspire a generation" label of the Games, with Seb Coe calling his win in the 5,000m one of the moments of the Paralympics.
So is he now the face of the Games?
It looks that way, with his heavily pregnant fiancée, Emily, cheering him to victory, he has been taken into the nation's hearts. The #weirwolf hashtag has trended on Twitter whenever he has raced. He is also popular with his fellow athletes, who have adapted Warren Zevon's 1978 hit, "Werewolves of London" in his honour. He was made an MBE in 2009 and is likely to pick up lots more awards now he is in the public eye.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments