Up close with blade runner at Paralympics (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)
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Up close with blade runner at Paralympics
9:19am Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Laura Shack
Paralympic Games volunteer William Beach, of Fairford, meets controversial sprinter Oscar Pistorius, shortly after his angry outburst at coming second in the T44 200metres final
A PARALYMPIC volunteer from Fairford has spoken of his intimate chat with Paralympic blade runner Oscar Pistorius about his controversial cheat claims.
South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius hit the headlines this week after he claimed he was beaten unfairly in the T44 200 metres final on Sunday by Brazil’s Alan Fonteles Oliveira because the athlete was wearing longer artificial limbs.
And while the media clambered for an interview with the South African, Paralympic volunteer William Beach from Fairford got the surprise chance to meet him in a close security area near to the Athlete's Village.
William, who is the secretary at Fairford Town Football Club, said: "We talked about his defeat the night before. He said he didn’t regret what he said but rather when he said it. "He was apologetic for taking the glory away from the Brazilian. He said he would deal with it and move on to his next event."
William added: "He was a real pleasure to talk to and a very pleasant young man. Meeting him has been a highlight for me."
As a "high class taxi" driver for the Paralympics, the 58-year-old said he has had the chance to drive several officials to events.
"Even in my car I can hear the roar of the crowd from the back of the stadium and you get involved," he said. "It’s been really special - a once in a lifetime experience – and I feel very privileged to have been part of it."
