Paralympics 2012: Richard Whitehead Crushes World Record On Way To 200m T42 Win As GB Clocks Up Four Golds

Whitehead Smashes World Record On Way To One Of Four Golds For GB On Saturday
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It's been an incredible day for Great Britain's Paralympic team, with four golds from action in the Olympic Stadium, the Velodrome and at Greenwich Park.

Inspirational athlete Richard Whitehead proved he is the fastest man on the planet by smashing his own world record in front of a packed crowd.

Whitehead, 36, powered through the field in the final straight and flexed his biceps in a triumphant "two-gun salute" as he crossed the line.

The stadium erupted as the double amputee ran a lap of honour before hugging his family, who proudly watched in the stands.

Speaking after his stunning victory in the 200 metres T42 final, Whitehead, from Nottingham, said: "It's all about guts and determination.

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Whitehead smashed the world record on his way to victory

"Today I came, I saw, I conquered.

"That was what the two-gun salute was all about - in honour of my hero Chris Hoy."

He then dedicated the win to his family, including his fiancee Valerie Davies, who is expecting their first child in January.

Seconds after the phenomenal win, Valerie tweeted: "Love u baby. At finish line! We are all so proud of u! Love val, bump, mum & dad!!! #proudmoment."

Whitehead, a double amputee from birth, was denied the chance to take part in his favoured marathon event, which does not feature in the Games.

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Neil Fachie and Barney Storey took home the gold medal in the one-kilometre time trial

There is the prospect of more gold medals later today as Lee Pearson looks for success in the dressage before darling of the pool Ellie Simmonds defends her title in the 400m freestyle, after powering through her heat in a personal best time.

Britain's first equestrian gold of the Games was won by Natasha Baker, in the Grade II Individual Championship. Baker, like so many other athletes before her in the Games, set a Paralympic record on her way to gold.

Later on Saturday Sarah Storey won gold in the women's individual C4-5 500m time trial.