Back-to-back with the Blade Runner: Peacock relishing Pistorius challenge
PARALYMPIC star Jonnie Peacock sits back-to-back with Oscar Pistorius - but the teenager will soon be going head-to-head with the South African ‘Blade Runner’.
Sprinting sensation Peacock, from Doddington, will line up against world record holder Pistorius at the BT Paralympic World Cup.
The pair have forged a strong friendship off the track - but both will be gunning for glory in the T43/44 100m on May 22.
Peacock, who first competed against ‘the fastest man on no legs’ in 2010, said watching Pistorius on the television inspired him to take up Paralympic sport.
The 18-year-old said: “I always love lining up against Oscar. Not only is he a fantastic athlete, but he’s a great person to be around, especially if you are a young sportsman.
You may also want to watch:
“He’s always very willing to give encouragement and tips, so it will be fantastic to learn from him once again at the BT Paralympic World Cup.
“The event also gives me a chance to put what I have been working on in training into practice. Things have been developing very nicely and I’m really confident that I can make huge strides this year.
Most Read
- 1 Watch the moment E-scooter rider, 16, narrowly misses crashing into bus
- 2 Mobile upgrade work may cause TV interference
- 3 Rob's 'walk of thanks' for Magpas Air Ambulance
- 4 Turners ‘massively impacted’ and Knowles up pay to hire HGV drivers
- 5 MP the “most handsome and kindest member of the government’
- 6 ‘Enough is enough’ says MP at the scene of drink drive crash
- 7 Depleted Bears fight back to earn friendly victory
- 8 Covid-19 job loss prompts Martin to launch out on his own
- 9 'No excuse' not to publish costs says funeral director
- 10 Drug dealing pair caught thanks to eagle-eyed neighbours
“2012 is a hugely important year for all athletes, but for us Brits it holds even more significance and I can’t wait to test myself on the biggest stage in front of an adoring home crowd. It’s going to be amazing.”
Peacock, who had his right leg amputated when he was five, is currently training for London 2012 at Lea Valley.
The World Cup, which will be broadcast on Channel 4, will be held at the Manchester Regional Arena from May 22. For tickets visit: www.btparalympicworldcup.com
