Bushell smashes GB sprint record

Telford's Bushell is on course for the 2012 Paralympics

Shropshire teenager Mickey Bushell smashed the long-standing British 200m wheelchair sprint record in the British Open Wheelchair trials on Saturday.

The 17-year-old Birchfield Harrier, competing in the men's T53 event in Stoke Mandeville, broke the 15-year record with a time of 28.24 seconds.

The previous record of 28.88sec was held by Welshman Chris Hallam.

"It's absolutely fantastic," said Bushell. "I didn't think I could get it this early in my racing career."

Coach Fred Periac added: "For several months now, Mickey has been improving his starting technique, breathing and power. He has worked tremendously hard and this record is a credit to his dedication."

Telford-based Bushell narrowly missed out on the 100m record by 0.02sec in the same meeting, setting a personal best of 15.82sec. The 2012 Paralympics-hopeful next chance to break the record will be in Switzerland at the end of the month.