McKillop on track for Paralympics double

By John Haughey BBC Sport NI

Michael McKillop will aim to extend a six-year unbeaten record at Paralympic level when he defends his 800m T37 title in the Olympic Stadium on Saturday evening.

It could be a very special night of action for Northern Ireland athletes with Jason Smyth and Sally Brown also both set to race for track and field medals.

McKillop heads into the Games hoping to clinch double gold as he will also compete in the T37 1500m final on Monday evening.

The 22-year-old Team Ireland athlete has not lost in paralympic events since taking silver in the 1500m in the 2006 World Championships.

The Glengormley native responded by winning the World 800m title in Holland a couple of days later and an unbroken run of wins since then includes his gold medal in Beijing.

Michael's mild from of cerebral palsy was discovered by doctors when he was two years old.

"I was brought to hospital after I fell down the stairs and it was then my parents were told," says the paralympic star, who is coached by his father Paddy.

"My parents took it in their stride and got me the best treatment. They did sport with me for physio and kept me active.

"Combined with that was the help that they gave me with my education. I'm so grateful to them."

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McKillop on track for Paralympics double