David Weir, the legendary British wheelchair racer, brought down the curtain on his illustrious Paralympic career after an emotional farewell in Paris. The six-time Paralympic gold medalist, affectionately known as the ‘Weirwolf,’ announced his decision to retire from international competition, ending a journey that spanned over three decades.
With Les Invalides, the resting place of Napoleon, as a majestic backdrop, Weir spoke of his heart and soul poured into the sport. The 45-year-old, who has also claimed eight London Marathon titles, finished fifth in the men’s wheelchair marathon won by his Swiss rival Marcel Hug. “It’s my last event for Great Britain,” Weir declared. “No more international racing for me, I’ll do the city marathons. I feel proud and I am very emotional.”
Despite his wife, Victoria, trying to persuade him to continue, Weir felt the time was right for a new chapter. “I just feel it’s the right thing for me,” he stated.
The athlete, whose career began with a near selection for the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics at the age of 14, reflected on the highs and lows of his journey. He acknowledged his “worst Games” in Rio 2016, but fondly remembered the triumphs in London and Athens. “London in 2012 was the big one obviously,” he said of his astonishing four gold medal haul. “But before that, Athens. To come back after having two or three years out and getting on that podium for the first time in winning a silver and the bronze. “That was probably my proudest moment. I didn’t think I’d ever do it. “That gave me the stepping stone to want more and more. If I didn’t win there, I probably wouldn’t be here now.”
Despite a tough week in Paris, Weir found joy in witnessing Marcus Perrineau-Daley, a product of his Weir-Archer Academy, win silver in the T52 100 meters. He acknowledged the immense dedication he has poured into the sport, stating, “I’ve put my heart and soul into the sport, and I will do still. “We’re still pushing athletes through for GB, and that’s what I’ll do for the future but I also want to do other projects away from sport.”
Among these projects, DJing stands out. “I’ve got a few contacts that I’ve made, and that’s what I want to do,” he revealed. “It’s been my passion since I was a kid. It’s my side line that I do, that I like to do. Electronic. House music and stuff like that. I’m a big fan of DJing. As a kid, I taught myself.”
While praising the Paris organizers, Weir hinted at areas for improvement that he intends to discuss with the International Paralympic Committee. He acknowledged some regrets but expressed satisfaction with the Paris Games as his final hurrah. “It’s quite sad that I won’t wear the GB shirt again, but Paris is a good one to end on.”
As David Weir embarks on a new chapter filled with city marathons and DJ sets, his legacy as a Paralympic icon remains etched in history. His inspiring journey, marked by both triumph and resilience, will continue to motivate athletes and fans for generations to come.
