Mother gives golden boy his reward

Winning gold was a family affair for Team Ireland runner Michael McKillop when his mother presented him with his medal in a historic moment at the Paralympics.

The emotional athlete, who had not been told of his mother Catherine’s involvement prior to the ceremony for the T37 1,500m race, had tears in his eyes as the medal was placed around his neck last night.

The pair embraced to loud cheers from the crowds at the Olympic Stadium, the outside of which was bathed in green light to honour the Irish athlete.

It is thought to be the first time a mother has presented her son with a medal at the Games and was organised by Paralympics partner P&G.

McKillop, 22, from Belfast, who won the 800m gold on Saturday, said of his mother’s role in the ceremony: “It was a big surprise. I didn’t have a clue about it.

“It’s a great honour to have your mum there – I don’t think it’s ever happened before.

“When she walked out into the stadium, I said to Brad Scott, who came second: ’That’s my mum’.

“I couldn’t believe it. He said: ’Just enjoy it. It’s something special.’

“She congratulated me and said she loved me.”

Mrs McKillop, 48, said: “I was just so honoured – what a privilege to be given.

“Words can’t describe it. I’m so proud of Michael. It’s a memory that will stick with me forever – and an emotional memory at that.”

She said she heard her name announced at the stadium, but thinks people only realised the link between her and the gold-medal winning runner when they hugged.

“It was an amazing feeling,” she added. “Michael was totally shocked. It was a fantastic moment. I’m still on a high from it, and now it’s time to celebrate.”

McKillop, who has cerebral palsy, won the 800m in Beijing but was denied the chance to do the double because the longer distance was not on the programme in 2008.

Liam Harbison, Paralympics Ireland chef de mission said yesterday’s gold was a “fantastic achievement”.

“For him to race in front of his mum at this level for the first time is special but to receive his gold medal from his mum will be a memory he will treasure forever,” he added.

“As a supporter of Paralympics Ireland, we are delighted P&G were able to enable an Irish athlete to enjoy such a moment.”

Nathan Homer, Olympics & Paralympics Project Director at P&G, said: “This is an extraordinary accomplishment, and on behalf of P&G, I am delighted for Michael, his mum Catherine and family. And to see Catherine hand over a gold medal to her son during such an historic occasion really is something very special that the family can treasure. Congratulations.”