Whitehead powers to back-to-back Paralympic 200m titles

The double amputee was one of the stars of London 2012, with his 200m T42 victory and now trademark strongman celebration one of the enduring images of those Games.

And he defended his title in Brazil, with British team-mate David Henson producing a stunning surge to claim a surprise bronze at the Olympic Stadium.

"This was just about winning the race, not records,” said Whitehead, after clocking 23.39 seconds.

"The time didn’t mean much to me and I saw the line and knew I had won with 20m to go, so I wanted to enjoy it.

"A few things went through my head, how hard it’s been at times, there’s been up and downs so it’s great to be Paralympic champion again. It’s my last 200m in the Paralympic arena.

"I’d just like to thank everyone who has supported me, the people up late at night back home - kids get to bed, you’ve got school tomorrow!”

The story behind Henson’s bronze is remarkable, five years after he lost both his legs while serving in the British Army in Afghanistan.

He was inspired by take sport seriously by appearing in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games two years ago, an event for injured servicemen.

And competing on the 15 year anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks - an event which indirectly changed his life - Henson admitted to feeling emotional.

"Five and a half years ago I nearly died and today’s date is pretty important in my life,” he said.

"I’ve been through a lot with my friends, and lost a lot along the way so this is a big day.

"My family has been there the whole time, my wife and daughter are at home probably watching. Words can’t express how thankful I am to their support.

"To get something like a bronze medal on the biggest stage is important. Hopefully it shows them how far I’ve come.

"Two years to the day, I won gold at the very first Invictus Games in London and then a week later I gave up smoking and thought I’d give Rio a bash.

"It just shows you want you can do. People suggested I go for Tokyo but I said I would go to Rio and medal and I did.”

Whitehead and Henson’s medal were among 21 won by ParalympicsGB on Sunday in Rio, beating the team’s best day in London and Beijing, where they won 18 and 19 respectively. They remain a clear second on the medal table behind China with 23 golds, 14 silvers and 19 bronzes. © Sportsbeat 2016