David Weir: I wake up to a reminder of legend Muhammad Ali every day

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David Weir10 June 2016

I’ve got a boxing glove signed by Muhammad Ali that hangs over my bed. It’s often the first thing I see in the morning.

And as a big boxing fan, the news of his passing has been incredibly sad. He wasn’t just a sporting icon, he transcended that with his attempts to stamp out racism.

Ali was a proper showman, plus I’ve read no end of stories this week of his generosity, his time for charities. He clearly had a much softer side to the person we saw in the ring.

There are certain sportsmen and women who inspire you and he was one. He’s been in my thoughts as I’ve travelled to Italy this week for the IPC European Championships in Grosseto, where I’m down to compete in the 400metres, 800m, 1,500m, 5,000m and the relay.

More than anything, it’s a chance to test my fitness and to try out a packed schedule over the course of a week.

It’s that which will make me decide whether I can do something similar at the Paralympics in Rio. In terms of expectations while in Italy, by my own high standards I should be among the leading Europeans, but nothing is set in stone. The sport’s moving so quickly that there’s competition coming from everywhere. I go there in good form, having become the first wheelchair racer in history to break the three-minute barrier for a mile. It’s something I’ve attempted before and I knew the week leading up to it in London I would do it.

Photo: Wesley/Getty Images
Wesley/Getty Images

Coming round that final corner at Birdcage Walk when I was told the time was two minutes 47 seconds, I was certain I was there and so it proved.

Unlike at London 2012, I don’t feel I have that weight of pressure hanging over me. I’m preparing for Rio as determined to win as ever but the pressure’s off. Grosseto will be a good test.

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