Paterson’s European debut one to remember Paisley T38 sprinter secures 400m silver in Berlin

Paisley’s Ross Paterson admits he is delighted after clinching silver as he stormed over the line for Great Britain at the European Championships.

Paterson, who is a T38 sprinter, recently competed for Scotland in the 100m, 200m and 400m at the CPISRA World Games in Sant Cugat, Spain, before flying out to Berlin to represent GB in the WPA European Championships in the T38 200m and 400m.

And it was in the 400m that Paterson shone as he raced clear of the chasing pack to snatch second spot.

He said: “It is unbelievable. Even just being here is brilliant so I am glad that I went out and put in a performance. I will come back next year even stronger. I knew what it would be like. It was a great race and hopefully I can come back stronger.”

It has been a stunning year for Paterson, who is also the current 100m and 200m Scottish National Para champion.

But his Berlin outing has seen him win his first international vest for GB.

He runs with the Red Star AC athletics club coached by Paisley man John Kinder. And he also has a Renfrewshire connection in his training as he trains with Kilbarchan AAC and is coached by Scott McCulloch.

With over a third of the British team in action on the third night in Berlin, GB’s Kare Adenegan produced one of the performances of the day as she claimed her first major international title in style in the women’s T34 100m final, while Vanessa Wallace sealed her first ever major title in the F34 shot-putt.

It was another bumper night for the British team who reaped the rewards across several disciplines; silver medals for Hannah Cockroft and Paterson, bronze medals for Dillon Labrooy, Laura Sugar, Mo Jomni, all adding to Stephen Miller’s F32 club throw silver from the morning session.

Ross added on social media: “Absolutely buzzing with that race. Delighted to get a silver medal at my first European championships.

“Thanks to everyone for their lovely comments and support.”

With three entered in the men’s T38 400m final, only gold and silver were on offer, but Paterson delivered on his major championship debut with a solid run of 56.82 ensuring he reached the podium in second.