Kurt Fearnley closes the Games with an outstanding performance

In an exciting finale to the T54 wheelchair marathon, Kurt Fearnley crossed the line in 1:30.21 – just one second behind gold medallist David Weir (GBR) – to earn bronze.

Battling heat and a difficult course filled with turns, the lead pack of six stuck together for much of the race, with a sprint finish between five athletes needed to decide who would head home with the accolades.

Fearnley’s exceptional performance adds a second medal to the silver he won in the 5000m and an 11th medal to his Paralympic resume from an amazing four Games.

Fearnley said: “I don’t know whether to smile or cry, have a laugh with you or throw up. I am exhausted, that was a really tough battle and I gave it all I had coming up the Mall for home.

“I put myself in a position to win it, but just couldn’t get there. I was as ready as I could be coming into this. Sometimes the races just don’t go your way. There were just seconds between us all in Beijing and the same thing has happened here.”

For more results, visit Athletics Australia.