Hannah Cockroft was bloodied but not beaten as she defended her Paralympic Women’s 800m T34 title with a dominant victory.
Cockroft, the now seven-time Paralympic champion, raced with a bandaged right hand after an accident during warm up when her hand slipped and went through the spokes of her chair.
The injury did not stop her taking nearly 12 seconds off her Paralympic record from five years ago but her time was just fractions slower than her world best from Switzerland earlier this year. It was an impressive British display, with team-mate Karé Adenegan taking silver and Fabienne Andre coming home fourth.
“I’m absolutely gutted,” Cockroft joked. “I was so close that to world record, I couldn’t have got closer if I’d tried.
“I’m really happy with gold but I’m obviously a bit frustrated I couldn’t quite squeeze under that time but to go close on a rainy day.
“I did that time in Switzerland on the fastest track in the world so to come here and replicate it, I’ve got to be proud.”
Calderdale Wheelchair Basketball Club 