04/09/2012

Ballymena's Michael The Magnificent Scoops Second Gold

Ballymena athlete Michael McKillop has cemented his position as a top middle-distance runner in this year's Paralympic Games.

Mr McKillop won his second gold medal yesterday in the T37 15000m, following up on his world record of 1:57:22 in the T37 800m on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, who competes for Ireland, made it to the finish line in four minutes 08.11 seconds.

And his medal was presented to him by his mother - Catherine McKillop is an ambassador of Proctor & Gamble.

The medal presentation made Mr McKillop's success a family affair, as he is coached by his dad Paddy.

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín congratulated the athlete, referring to his new name Michael the Magnificent.

She said: "This is another tremendous and magnificent achievement for Michael, following on from his golden success in the 800m final on Saturday. Paralympic medals are not won easily but Michael made it look effortless as he crossed the finish line. Just like the Olympic Games the Paralympic Games have captured the imagination. Over the last few days we have all gained so much enjoyment and optimism from watching the Paralympic athletes compete in all the disciplines. Well done to Michael the Magnificent and all the local athletes who are certainly giving it their all and going for gold."

(NE)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

10 September 2012
McKillop Wins Achievement Award At Paralympics Closing Ceremony
Ballymena runner Michael McKillop beat off stiff competition from Oscar Pistorius and Sherif Othman to be named the male athlete who best exemplified the spirit of the Paralympics at London 2012.
25 January 2023
Lidl Selects 25 Schools For Mental Health Athlete Mentorship Programme
Lidl Northern Ireland have chosen 25 secondary schools across the region to benefit from a dedicated Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme this academic year as part of the retailer's award-winning Sport for Good initiative, with each school also scoring £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment.
17 May 2022
Mental Health Athlete Mentorship Announced For Secondary School Pupils
Hundreds of secondary school pupils are to benefit from a dedicated Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme delivered by Lidl Northern Ireland as part of the retailer's established 'Sport for Good' initiative which aims to tackle mental health head on.
20 March 2003
Young sporting talent must be nurtured
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Angela Smith has today emphasised the importance of helping Northern Ireland’s sporting talent to fulfil its potential.
19 January 2016
Dame Mary Peters Appointed Patron Of NI Commonwealth Games Council
Dame Mary Peters has been appointed Patron of the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council. The Northern Irish woman represented Northern Ireland at every Commonwealth Games between 1958 and 1974, winning two Pentathlon gold medals, and a gold and silver medal in the shot put.