Double legged amputee marathon runner, Richard Whitehead capped an amazing week by breaking the three hour barrier at the 2009 Rome Marathon (22 March 2009). His time of 2 hours 56 minutes and 45 seconds was the fastest ever recorded by a leg amputee.
Just a week earlier, Whitehead ran the Bath Half Marathon in a time of 1h 19m, two minutes faster than the previous leg amputee record.
On his week of achievements Whitehead commented:
“I am ecstatic to run a sub three hour marathon. To be the first leg amputee to do so is amazing.
“My training has been going extremely well this year. The advice and motivation provided by my coach Liz Yelling has given me the confidence, belief and strength to run faster times. After Bath I knew I had a fast time in me, but to finally break three hours in Rome was an awesome experience.”
Being the first competitive marathon of the season for Whitehead, he believes that he can run faster, he continues:
“I hope that my time of 2 hours 56 and 45 seconds will give me credibility within the running community. My main ambition is to represent Team GB in the marathon at the London 2012 Paralympics. If preparation and training continue to go well and my times continue to fall, I may even be in contention for a medal.”
Richard Whitehead’s next competitive race will be at the Boston Marathon on the 20 April 2009.
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