He’s set to retire, but veteran discus star Greaves is planning a golden goodbye MEDAL CLASS
GREAT BRITAIN skipper Dan Greaves is desperate to get his hands on a gold medal again tomorrow – after helping choose the design.
Greaves goes in the F44 men’s event in the World Para Athletics Championships at London Stadium, hoping to sign off his career in style.
The 34-year-old has a barrelload of medals, including three world champ golds, the first in 2002, and one Paralympic gold, from 2004, but missed out in London last time.
There he finished second to Jeremy Campbell of the US, and the American is in the field this weekend, along with another Statesider, David Blair – winner of Paralympic gold last year in Rio.
But Greaves reckons he is in the form of his life and wants the medal in his hand – having already had a look.
Greaves said: “To get a medal here will be phenomenal for me. I was actually on the panel that chose the medal design for these championships, so I’ve had a sneak preview.
“For me, it will also complete the set to win here and be a great way to finish my championships career.
“I’m feeling good. I’ve been consistent this year and I’m in good form. Obviously, Campbell and Blair have been setting the world on fire, but that just shows how far the sport has moved on.
“I won my first world championships with 49m, but that wouldn’t make the top-eight this time.” Organisers have sold more than 250,000 tickets for the games, which last until 23 July – a far cry from when veteran Greaves, who can now throw over 60m, started competing.
He added: “It’s amazing how the sport has grown. I did my first world champs in 2002, in France – one man and his dog turned up, so to be back here with record crowds is great.
“London 2012 was so special, to be back here is phenomenal – the buzz around the place is special.”
In today’s events, GB are expecting a gold rush. Their best chances lie with Richard Whitehead (below left), going for a fourth gold in the T42 200m (8.29pm), Hollie Arnold (below centre) in the F46 javelin (7.57pm), and world-record holder Sammi Kinghorn (below right) in the T53 200m (9.51pm).
Scotland’s Kinghorn, who broke her back in an accident, aged 14, is aiming for gold in the 100, 200, 400 and 800m. Whitehead, 41 next week and a double amputee, broke the world record at London 2012 and retained his title in Rio four years later.
GB also has three contenders – Toby Gold, Andrew Small and Daniel Bramall – in the T33 100m (8.38pm) and Jo Butterfield is in the F52 discus (7.18pm).