#Superhero Sunday: Michael McKillop

This week’s Superhero Sunday comes courtesy of Ireland’s middle distance star Michael McKillop, who secured double gold at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France two years ago, winning the 800m T37 and 1,500m T38.

Indeed McKillop had managed to repeat a feat he achieved at the 2011 World Championships, and again at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, where he won double gold in emphatic style.

More golden success followed last year at the IPC Athletics European Championships – so it is no surprise expectations run high ahead of next month’s World Championships in Qatar. The question is, who inspires him to such success?

Here are McKillop’s heroes:

1. My Dad (and coach, Paddy)

He’s just been an inspiration from day one, and given me the same opportunities as everyone else.

2. Thierry Henry (former French professional footballer; Arsenal’s all-time record goal scorer)

He’s my favourite football player. He is talented, he knows how to perform at the highest level without any pressure.

3. David Beckham (former Manchester United footballer and England captain)

Due to the way he lives his life through sport, and off the football pitch too. He’s an ambitious person. He looks after his family well and I think the family part is major because I’ve had the opportunity to have such a close knit family, I want to be able to have that as well – so he is an inspiration because of his ‘father figure’ too.

The 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships will take place between 21-31 October and feature more than 1,300 athletes from 100 countries. Tickets are on sale now.