His time was also the fastest ever set by a Paralympian from the country – the previous record had belonged to triple Paralympian Tim Matthews, also from Australia, who set a time of 10.86sec in the T46.

O'Hanlon (pictured top), the winner of three gold medals at Beijing 2008, was running at the Griffith University Athletics Track on Australia's Gold Coast.

"I know I can run faster, but today was definitely a nice indicator that I am on the right path," O'Hanlon said.

"I was a bit surprised to run so fast, but everything seemed to come together really well.

"To run 10.83 and become the fastest Australian Paralympian ever is a good feeling.

"I really want to thank my coach Iryna (Dvoskina) for everything she has done for me.

"I would not be in the position I am without her."


O'Hanlon's performance underlines his determination to defend his 100m and 200m titles.

As the world champion in both events as well, the Australian will be a heavy favourite when the London 2012 Paralympics gets underway at the end of next month.

O'Hanlon also won gold in the 4x100m cerebral palsy relay team at Beijing 2008 (pictured above), and said: "My coach and I aren't focusing on numbers.

"Obviously I want to run as fast as I possibly can in London and my goal is to run a time so fast that no one will ever catch it."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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