Weirwolf answers children's Paralympic questions (From Sutton Guardian)

David Weir visits pupils at Robin Hood Junior School in Sutton

8:50am Friday 8th February 2013 in News By Mike Pyle

Star-struck school children met their Paralympic hero yesterday.

Wheelchair racer David Weir visited Robin Hood Junior School in Sutton to answer children's questions and show them the four gold medals he won at the London Paralympic Games last summer.

Pupils asked Weir, nicknamed the Weirwolf, about his training, racing in London, his strict diet and if he will compete after 2016 He said: "It was a great honour to pull on the Team GB kit and race in front of the British public. I’ve not decided yet if I’m going to Rio, I keep changing my mind each month but it’s certainly still a possibility.

"Had I only just won or finished second in London then I would have retired, but I’m feeling good and am just looking forward to training for road races and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014."

After the question and answer session Weir posed for pictures with pupils and added: "It’s great to speak in Sutton; my home town. If I can be an influence to these children then that’s even better. I’ve told my agent that anything that comes up in the borough I want to do. Sutton Borough did a lot for me when I was young. They gave me my first chair, so it’s great to be able to give something back."

Pupil Ben Rondeau, 11, said: "He’s really inspirational and it’s been great to meet him today. Running is my favourite sport. David is one of my idols. He makes me want to be the best that I can be."

Weir presented school competition winners from each of the classes with prizes during an assembly.

Councillor Dave Callaghan, chairman of Sutton Council's children, family and education committee, said: "David is someone whose mere presence is inspirational. To have such a well known and well loved figure drop into your school is not an everyday experience.

"I am sure the children really enjoyed meeting David and learnt a lot from what he had to say. He personifies the fighting spirit that we want to show to every child in this borough that if they try hard enough they can achieve their goals, be it on the sporting field or at school."