Parents of Paralympian Mickey Bushell hail 'incredible' crowd

Mickey Bushell is due to take part in the 200m final on Friday

The parents of GB gold medal-winning wheelchair sprinter Mickey Bushell have paid tribute to an "incredible" crowd.

The 22-year-old, from Telford, won the 100m T53 final in a Paralympic record of 14.75 seconds.

Bushell, who broke his own world record earlier this year, was nervous going into the final, despite dominating his heat, his father Pete said.

"This was the one he really wanted, especially after missing Gold in Beijing by about six inches."

He added: "In the heat he said he held 30kph and realised there was nobody around him, so he just cruised in.

"But you don't get to the final without being one of the best in the world, so he knew he had a race on his hands."

'Something special'

Bushell's parents, Pete and Shelley watched the race in the Olympic stadium, with his younger brother and sister.

Pete Bushell said: "Despite the nerves, once out on track he said he knew it was just time to get on with it.

"The crowd was amazing, they got behind him and were just screaming as he came over the line.

"What more could you ask for, to win the Paralympic gold in front of your home crowd? I was in tears, my wife was in tears."

Despite holding the world record and winning numerous other competitions, Pete Bushell said the Paralympics were "something special" and were the culmination of "four years of hard work".

Pete Bushell said any celebrations would be put on hold, with his son due to compete in the 200m final on Friday.

He added that Mickey would not get much of a rest, as he is due to be back in action on 14 September in the 2K Tyne Tunnel race, followed two days later by the Great North half marathon.