Whitehead smashes record for gold

13:05, Sep 1 2012

Inspirational athlete Richard Whitehead has smashed his own sprint world record in front of a packed Olympic Stadium to take gold. Whitehead, 36, powered through the field in the final straight and flexed his biceps in a triumphant "two-gun salute" as he crossed the line. The stadium erupted as the double amputee ran a lap of honour before hugging his family, who proudly watched in the stands. Speaking after his stunning victory in the 200 metres T42 final, Whitehead, from Nottingham, said: "It's all about guts and determination. "Today I came, I saw, I conquered. That was what the two-gun salute was all about - in honour of my hero Chris Hoy." Story continues ADVERTISEMENT He then dedicated the win to his family, including his fiancee Valerie Davies, who is expecting their first child in January. Seconds after the phenomenal win, Valerie tweeted: "Love u baby. At finish line! We are all so proud of u! Love val, bump, mum & dad!!! #proudmoment." Whitehead, a double amputee from birth, was denied the chance to take part in his favoured marathon event, which does not feature in the Games. His win came on a morning of world records as cycling pair Neil Fachie and Barney Storey produced a stunning performance in the velodrome to take gold in the tandem one-kilometre time-trial. There is the prospect of more gold medals later as Lee Pearson looks for success in the dressage before darling of the pool Ellie Simmonds defends her title in the 400m freestyle, after powering through her heat in a personal best time.

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