Racing in City of Norwich Athletic Club colours, wheelchair athlete Will Smith lined up in for the 1500m race in his first International Paralympic Commitee (IPC) Grand Prix final last Saturday in a field that included London 2012 Paralympic champion David Weir and current world record holder Marcel Hug of Switzerland.
In a tactical race, Smith held third place going into the final lap but was out-sprinted over the final 200m to finish in a credible sixth in three minutes 33.37 seconds. Hug won the sprint finish in 3:27.60.
Smith now goes back into training for his next major event, which is the one-mile race at the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games on July 28, in the Olympic Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd – and televised live on Channel 4.
Smith is still just 17 years old and lives in Westfield, Dereham. He attends Dereham Sixth Form College and competes in the T54 wheelchair category, coached by Jenny Archer who also coaches David Weir.
Smith races in a hand built racing chair provided by the children's charity Get Kids Going. He is also supported by the Norfolk Sports and Culture Fund.
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