The 33-year-old Londoner (pictured top, centre) will be aiming for four medals at the Games when he competes in the T54 800, 1,500 and 5,000 metres events along with the marathon.

It is a gruelling schedule for Weir, who will have his work cut out to replicate his heroics at Beijing four year ago when he collected an impressive haul of two gold medals, a silver and a bronze.

But he revealed that the exploits of the British athletes – particularly long-distance runner Farah and cyclist Wiggins – at the recent Olympics has provided him with extra motivation ahead of the start of competition this week.

"I was at watching the Olympics on television and I was inspired by it all," Weir told insideworldparasport.

"I was very impressed with the crowd, particularly during Mo's races in the 5,000 [pictured below] and 10,000 metres.

"When he ran on the last lap of those two races, not one person of that 80,000 [crowd] was still in their seat and that made me smile.


"Mo was my favourite because he does a similar distance to me with the 5,000m, but Bradley Wiggins [pictured below] is a big inspiration for me as well.

"This amazing summer all started with the Tour de France and I was watching him with real interest because we have the same sort of technology with aerodynamics, helmets and so on.

"Watching the Tour and seeing him do well just inspired me to train harder."

Despite saying that he feels in tip-top condition, Weir has played down his chances of winning four gold medals at his home Paralympics.

"Physically I feel in great shape and my preparations have been great but T54 wheelchair racing is the toughest class in the world at the moment," he pointed out.

"To get four medals will be tough – the standards have jumped another level in the last four years.


"I always aim for one gold medal at every championships – and if I get more golds or other medals that's a bonus."

Weir will undoubtedly carry the weight of home expectations on his shoulders but insisted he is not fazed by such pressure.

"Every time I do the London Marathon people assume I'm going to turn up and win, and I've dealt with that situation – it's just another race for me.

"Having the crowd cheer you on should give you the performance you're looking for.

"It's a bit of a pressure-cooker competing at home, but I think a lot of athletes will thrive on it."

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