MBE for Sutton Paralympian (From Sutton Guardian)

MBE for Sutton Paralympian David Weir in New Year Honours

11:50am Wednesday 31st December 2008 in News

World record holder David Weir has been nominated for an MBE in the Queen’s New Years honours.

The elite Paralympian wheelchair athlete, who won two golds, a silver and a bronze at the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games, has been nominated for his services to disabled sport.

The 29-year-old Wallington dad-of-one, who was crowned the BBC London 2008 disabled athlete earlier this month, devotes most of his time to encouraging disabled children to get involved in sport by visiting schools and training sessions.

Mr Weir, who won his fourth London Wheelchair Marathon title in April, said he was “speechless and overwhelmed" by the nomination.

He said: “Sport gives confidence to young people, particularly disabled children and it’s a great buzz to see them taking it up, especially wheelchair racing.

“I get a real boost giving them advice and then seeing them do well and its good to see disabled sport getting more funding and coverage.

“I do feel slightly weird about this nomination as I feel I’m just normal David Weir.

"Sometimes I get asked for my authograph and it is a strange experience, but I do enjoy being a role model for disabled sport."

Mr Weir will also be the first person in 30 years to be made an honorary freeman of Sutton in the New Year.