Martin claims discus world record

by Tony Garrett
BBC Sport in Manchester

Martin retired from the sport after the Athens Paralympics

Discus thrower Chris Martin set a new world record at the British Open in Manchester to boost his hopes of appearing at the Beijing Paralympics.

The 36-year-old from Mansfield threw 28.91m to beat the previous best of 28.73 in the F33 category.

"My throwing hasn't been great recently so I'm delighted with the record," said Martin, who returned to the sport last year after a two-year break.

"But I'm confident there is more to come before Beijing."

Martin's record comes just a couple of weeks after he claimed gold in the same venue at the Paralympic World Cup and puts him in line for a fourth Games appearance in Beijing as he bids to add to the gold and silver he won in Sydney in 2000.

His performance was one of the highlights of the two days of competition in Manchester which was the final opportunity for British athletes to obtain Paralympic qualifying standards.

"Looking ahead to 2012 we also have a good crop of young athletes who are steadily improving" UK Athletics disability director Tim Jones

Martin Crutchley (F38 shot) and Stephen Payton (F38 400m) both reached the UK Athletics standard to put them in with a chance of competing in Beijing.

There were also some good displays from athletes who will be hoping to make their Paralympic debuts at this year's Games including teenagers Libby Clegg, Victoria Silk and Ian Jones as well as Nathan Stephens and Brian Alldis.

Experienced campaigners Kenny Churchill (javelin), Danny Greaves (discus) and sprinter Graeme Ballard also looked impressive in winning their respective events.

Great Britain has been allocated 36 places for Beijing - 22 male and 14 female - and UK Athletics disability director Tim Jones and his team will discuss the squad's final selection on Monday.

"One of the real positives of the selection period is that we have more athletes pressing for selection than there are places available," Jones told BBC Sport. "This means that we will take some quality athletes to Beijing.

"We can be confident that a vast proportion of the team who will be chosen have the capability to get on the medal podium.

"But looking ahead to 2012 we also have a good crop of young athletes who are steadily improving."