2012 star Weir to quit athletics after disappointing Paralympic Games

Wheelchair racer Weir won four golds at London 2012 but has been off the pace in his three races at the Paralympics, finishing a distant sixth in the defence of his 800m T34 title.

He hinted - but wouldn't expand - on problems behind the scenes but insisted missing the birth of his fourth child, Lenny, who was born this week, wasn't the issue.

He will still compete in this weekend's marathon but claimed his lack of form might sideline him from the 4x400m relay.

"How do you think I feel, it's just so disappointing," he said. "The sport has evolved over the last four years and I'm just not good enough it seems.

"This is definitely my last race on a track individually and I didn't come away with a medal, which is just gutting for me.

"It's definitely over for me and next year's London Marathon will be the last race of my career. I'll still do the marathon here on Sunday and I'll talk to the team about the relay to see what's best."

So many of the British stars from London 2012 have defended their Olympic and Paralympic titles in Brazil but the rest of the world seems to have caught up with 37-year old Weir.

Four years ago he won seven races in ten days, claiming four golds to remain unbeaten after 35.3 miles of racing. But, despite winning four European titles earlier this year, the road to Rio has not been proved paved with gold.

But Weir may well be inspired by the story of Jeanette Chippington as he considers what's next.

Canoeing made its Paralympic debut in Rio and Chippington, 46, took gold, 12 years after winning the last of her 12 medals as a swimmer in Athens.

Then 36-year old British team-mate Emma Wiggs - a sitting volleyball player at London 2012 - topped the podium before Anne Dickins capped off a memorable morning with another gold.

Three golds, average age 43 - perhaps Weir might consider joining the list of Paralympians who switch sports for Tokyo.

Dickens was a volunteer at 2012 and took up canoeing despite suffering from seasickness and she won gold five months short of her 50th birthday.

"Four years ago I was wearing a Games Maker uniform working in the velodrome," said Dickens.

"To come here as an athlete and win a medal and a gold at that I can't believe it's happened.

"Endurance is my strength. I knew no matter what happened in the first half of my race I could hang on it and push over the line.

"I did not know who had won, it was only when I looked behind and saw a massive sea of Union Jacks I realised I had won.

"My son based his university choice on the one who had freshers' week which meant he could come here.

"My mum has not been abroad for years and years and she's made it to Rio. I can't tell you how amazing it is to have that support."

Meanwhile, on a horse named after the explorer who discovered Brazil, Natasha Baker defended the first of her two Paralympic dressage titles.

Baker, riding Cabral, topped the individual grade II standings and will now look to today's freestyle as another red-hot medal chance.

"This will be his last Paralympics. He's in his prime and he's got better with age," said Baker.

"If he was a schoolboy he'd be the one who hands his homework in early, he's a real goody two-shoes. He just tries his best at everything he does and it's such a pleasure to ride him.

"He loves winning. He struts around, he knows he is a gold medallist and that makes a difference."

Sportsbeat 2016