Statement from ParalympicsGB regarding the final of the men’s T54 800m

Concerning the matter of the protest by the Australian team regarding the conduct of the Men’s T54 800m last night, which was originally upheld by the Jury of Appeal.

Further to that decision the Jury was made aware of additional conclusive evidence provided by the Australian team and in accordance with IAAF rule 119 has overturned its decision to order the race to be held again.

A letter from the Australian team formally requested that:
•       A re-run not be held
•       The result of the race to be retained
•       Medals awarded accordingly

The letter was signed by the head coach, Scott Goodman, and the athlete Kurt Fearnley.

Tim Jones, athletics team manager for ParalympicsGB said: “We are thrilled by this decision, which gives Dave his well-earned first gold medal. We also appreciate the actions of the Australian team and Kurt Fearnley in particular, and now look forward to some great racing between the two of them in their remaining events. We are all glad to put this unfortunate incident behind us and move on.”

Dave Weir commented: “I am very happy and relieved and would like to thank everyone who has helped to overturn the decision to re-run the race. It has been a very difficult 12 hours but I now have the gold medal that I have worked so hard for and can focus on my remaining two events.”

Phil Lane, Chef de Mission for ParalympicsGB, added: “We are delighted for Dave Weir and would like to join the Jury of Appeal in thanking the team staff of Australia, especially the athlete involved, Kurt Fearnley, for their support in helping to have the decision to re-run the race overturned. It was a superb performance by Dave Weir to win the gold medal and justice has been done.”