War hero Henson on recovery mission

AFGHANISTAN veteran Dave Henson is among 14 British athletes making their senior debuts at the IPC World Championships, which start here today, aiming to contribute to Great Britain’s target of 30 medals, including at least 10 golds. The Qatari capital hosts the biggest ever para-sport gathering in the Middle East with more than 1,300 athletes from over 90 countries. And it will be tough going, with temperatures routinely approaching 100°F (38°C). Former army troop commander Henson, who lost both legs while searching for improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan in 2011, is an outside contender for a medal in the T42 200 metres for double amputees — compatriot Richard Whitehead is the strong favourite to win gold. A Masters graduate in biomedical engineering, Henson was flag-bearer for the 48-strong British team at the opening ceremony last night. He told Sportsmail how elite athletics had been invaluable in his rehabilitation. ‘I was blown up on Sunday, arrived back in the UK on Tuesday and eight weeks later, again on a Tuesday, I was standing on short legs,’ he said. ‘I got big legs 14 weeks (later) and I put my running blades on 10 months to the day after and have been running ever since. ‘Sport is a mega thing to do for recovery.’

TV: LIVE coverage starts this afternoon on More4 from 2pm or follow a live stream on

www.doha2015.org.

For previews and reports visit

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