Jonnie Peacock

I tend to look forward rather than dwell on the past but at this time of year it is impossible not to look back to the summer of 2012. As I go through my final preparations to race back at the former Olympic Stadium at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games on Sunday I do think about what the London 2012 Paralympic Games did for me, the fans and the sport.

Just a few months after my first international race I won the 100 metres gold medal in a world record in my home country, in front of a home crowd. I will never forget the noise of the Olympic Stadium crowd during the race and as I was presented my gold medal.  It was an incredible moment but, as I said, I’m not one to dwell and for me London 2012 was the start of my career and I’ve got a lot more I want to achieve.

After a niggling injury last year I’m back in shape and focused on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Championships in October and then the Rio Paralympic Games next year. The Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games is an important part of the build up towards the World Championships for me and most of the other Paralympics GB and international athletes.

Jonnie Peacock has unforgettable memories of winning the gold medal in the T44 100 metres at London 2012 but still has much he wants to achieve in his career
Jonnie Peacock has unforgettable memories of winning the gold medal in the T44 100 metres at London 2012 but still has much he wants to achieve in his career ©Getty Images

It is also a great chance to race in front of our home crowd again back in the Stadium. London 2012 opened up our sport to an enormous wave of new fans, that get and love Paralympic sport in its own right. The international athletes feel this and love coming here to compete in front of British fans.

The London 2012 was definitely a springboard for the sport and athletes and not just in the UK.

Since London, there are more fans, bigger crowds and more good quality races for us. In 2017 London is hosting the IAAF and IPC World Championships in the same city and venue for the first time ever.

London 2012 has also inspired a whole new generation of athletes to come into the sport, meaning the fans are treated to closer and faster races. In my race on Sunday there will be five guys that can run under 11 seconds and the rest are are capable of it. We’re pushing each other and our limits, which makes for great rivalries and races.

So Sunday at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games will be a rare moment to look back and celebrate the London 2012 Games. Although once we’re in the blocks and set to go they’ll only be one thing on my mind and that’s getting to the finish as fast as I can.

The best GB and international Paralympic athletes are back in the Stadium for the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games tomorrow.. Tickets are still available by clicking here.