GEORGIE Hermitage broke her own world record as she won gold in the T37 400 metres final at the IPC Athletics World Championships last Sunday.
Already the silver medallist in the 100 metres, she started strongly and moved steadily through the rest of the field in the heat of Doha in the State of Qatar.
Hermitage took the line in 1min 2.01secs, beating the 1-02.48 mark she set in London last July.
And after winning the race, she received a hug from two-year-old Tilly who was brought to Doha as a surprise by her partner, Rick.
“I didn’t see her before the race which is probably a good thing as my head would’ve been a mess, but it’s great to have her here because she’s the reason I do it,” said an emotional Hermitage.
“If she hadn’t come along, I almost certainly wouldn’t be doing athletics now. It’s a juggling act, but she gives me the fire in my belly to carry on and when I get those times where I can train I make the most of it because when I get home I’ve got no chance.
“I never thought I would get a world record. Today was all about getting round and trying to win gold and make the point there is more in me.”
Her training was hampered by a foot injury, but she was clearly fully recovered for the 400 metres and powered through to win Britain’s sixth gold of the championships by over three and a half seconds from runner-up Mandy Francois-Elie of France.
The 2016 Rio Paralympics beckon for Georgie, but she is not looking that far ahead. “This has been a good season, but I’m trying not to think too much about Rio. I just want to plough on and enjoy winter training.
“It’s the ultimate goal, but I don’t dare look that far ahead, especially when my body is susceptible to injuries. But if it happens then it would be great.”
Born in Guildford and a former George Abbot School pupil, Hermitage gave up the sport aged 14, unwilling to pursue a para athletic route rather than compete as an able-bodied runner.
It was only when the Paralympics came to London, that her ambition returned, but it had more to do with the arrival of Tilly. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have taken it up again,” insisted Georgie who competes for Guildford & Godalming Athletic Club.
Also representing GB in Doha was Liphook girl Olivia Breen who has already completed two of her four events – 100 metres, long jump, 200 metres and relay.
The 19-year-old finished fourth in the T38 100m final last Thursday and was disappointed to just miss out on a medal.
“I have to stay positive because I ran well – I did everything I could,” said the former Bohunt pupil who is a member of City of Portsmouth AC.
“I went into the race in the best shape and best form I have ever been in,” said Olivia. She adapted well to the intense heat – most events are held in the cooler evenings – but revealed that the build-up to the start was less smooth.
“We were kept a really long time at the starting blocks for some reason, which made me wobble because of my cerebral palsy. The judges showed me a green card and I think a combination of this and then being kept in the blocks for a long time again for the second start resulted in me not starting particularly well, which is something I’m normally quite good at.
“I did fight my way back into the race and was happy with the way I finished in fourth.
“There was an incredible world record set for the race. I didn’t know it was possible for a girl with cerebral palsy to run that fast.”
Great Britain’s Sophie Hahn won the gold in 12.60secs, ahead of Junfei Chen and Paralympic champion Margarita Goncharova.
Olivia, watched by her parents in Doha, was delighted with her sixth place and personal best in the long jump final on Tuesday. She tweeted: “Great competition of long jump tonight! I came sixth with official pb of 4.27m! So happy! Can’t wait for the 200m on Thursday!”
She runs in the 4x100m final on Saturday.