Rio 2016 Paralympics: Michael McKillop ready to shine again after 'dark days'

Ireland's three-time Paralympic gold medallist Michael McKillop says he is on course to win another title in Rio after suffering "dark days" during two years affected by injury.

McKillop, 26, has been able to train uninterrupted so far in 2016 and says he is a confident frame of mind as he prepares to defend his T37 1500m title in Brazil.

"The previous two years were mentally a tough time. With the support of my fiancee and the rest of my family, they got me through the dark days," said the Glengormley man, who has a mild form of cerebral palsy.

"I sometimes couldn't leave the house because of the stress of not wanting to go on a physio bed for another day after more than eight months out.

"Whenever you come out the other end, it's a positive light. To anyone that struggles with a mental issue or struggles with depression, that's the most important thing.