Double Paralympic champion to compete as a guest in Manchester

Hannah Cockroft is looking forward to her return at the event she says kick started her career.

The wheelchair racer was victorious at the Sainsbury’s School Games in 2011 and has gone on to win two Paralympic titles, as well as a number of world and European golds.

This time she’ll be competing as a guest at the Manchester Regional Arena on Friday (September 4) as she works towards the defence of her world titles at the IPC World Championships in Doha next month.

Cockroft competed at multiple School Games, starting with the 2007 edition in Bath where she contested the seated discus. There she was spotted by a scout and a talent day in Loughborough followed to begin the career of one of Great Britain’s top Paralympians.

“I am so excited to be lining up in Manchester to get some vital competition practice,” she said. “This event literally kick started my career and I feel honoured to return again as a competitor.

“With just over a month to the IPC World Championships and a year until the Rio Paralympic Games, Friday will form an important part of my preparations.

“Having won the 100m event in 2011, I am looking forward to taking on the young talent competing at this year’s Sainsbury’s School Games and I would like to thank the organisers for allowing me to take part.”

The Sainsbury’s School Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, is a major multi-sport event for some of the nation’s top young athletes. More than 15,000 spectators are expected at this year’s event, which takes place from September 3-6.

Check out the September 3 edition of Athletics Weekly magazine, which is available digitally from Wednesday (September 2), for an event preview.