WEIR David

Classification
T54 (IPC, 27 Jul 2021)

Type of Impairment
Spinal Cord Injuries (nhs.uk, 14 Sep 2012)

Origin of Impairment
Congenital (nhs.uk, 14 Sep 2012)

Impairment Details
He was born with a spinal cord transection that prevents him from using his legs. "My spinal cord was severed. I've got some feeling in my lower half, but cannot lock my legs or stand up at all. I needed five operations just to straighten my feet." (nhs.uk, 14 Sep 2012)

General
LEGACY
In April 2013 he and coach Jenny Archer launched the Weir Archer Academy with the aim of unearthing future Paralympic medallists. The academy is based at the Weir Archer Athletics and Fitness Centre in London, England, and focuses on helping athletes from south London. "I want this to be my legacy so that London [2012] is not just a one-off. There are literally thousands of potential athletes out there who are just waiting to be discovered and I want to help with that." (weirarcher.co.uk, 28 Apr 2020; bbc.co.uk, 05 Apr 2013)

MENTAL HEALTH
In 2017 he sought treatment for depression, which he said has affected him since childhood. The effects of the condition were intensified by the pressure he felt at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro to replicate his success at the 2012 Games in London. "It proved a real help and a turning point. We went back through my life and realised I had issues stemming from childhood over the fact I was angry about being disabled. I feel like the old Dave again. I want to be positive not just for myself, but for my academy. I don't want them to see this negative person who was in Rio and afterwards, being bitter, moody and horrible. They are looking up to me. I just want to be a voice for people who are in that dark hole. They can climb back out and do well in themselves. When people get depression you think, 'You're all right', but once you get it yourself you realise how deep that hole can get. I think you just have to find the right balance of knowing yourself, going to talk to people, but the first thing is to be open with people if you're really struggling." (telegraph.co.uk, 13 Jun 2017; bbc.co.uk, 12 Sep 2018; athleticsweekly.com, 10 Oct 2020)

INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT AND RETURN
He retired from competition after the 2017 Anniversary Games in London, but announced his intention to return in September 2018 with a view to competing in the marathon at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. He had previously announced his retirement from the British Para athletics team following the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and claimed at the time he had been accused of not performing to the best of his ability. "It took me a long time to get over. I was very bitter about what happened in Rio. I said I'd never wear the vest again. I'm going back on my word, but if I can still deliver and win a medal like I think I can, then why not?" (bbc.co.uk, 12 Sep 2018; telegraph.co.uk, 13 Jun 2017, 27 Jan 2017; theguardian.com, 23 Apr 2017)