Sponsors of the C4 London 2012 Paralympic Games site
29th August - 9th September
Richard Whitehead Q & A
"I scored in the last minute to wrap up a 2-1 win against Italy and the home crowd was not happy."
15 Apr 2011 15:59 pm
Who is your biggest rival?
"I am. I always feel I have a devil and an angel on each shoulder and if I let the devil dominate, I become my own nemesis."
What are you like to be around when you have lost?
"Quiet and self-reflective. I like a bit of space to think and evaluate what went wrong."
Have you ever been heckled by the crowd?
"Not as a marathon runner but I did get some stick from the fans when I was a sledge hockey player. We were up against Italy in Turin in the Winter Paralympics and I scored in the last minute to wrap up a 2-1 win and the home crowd was not happy at all."
Any superstitions?
"Yes, quite a few to be honest. I've got to have a bath the night before a race and I always wear the same pair of lucky underpants. I also like to wear the same sunglasses for every race, which I feel is a psychological barrier between me and the crowd."
What is on your iPod when you're training?
"If I'm doing a really long session, I like dance and house compilations. Anything continuous and upbeat. If I'm doing a shorter session, something harder like Dr Dre, Eminem or Jay-Z - something with a bit of attitude."
Greatest athletes ever?
"In terms of the Olympic Games, I'd say Michael Johnson because of his beautiful style. He was a joy to watch. In marathon running, I love Haile Gebrselassie because he was a machine with, I think, a similar mentality to me. In the Paralympic Games, you've just got to admire David Weir and what he's achieved in his career. He has dedicated 20 years of his life to racing but also reaped the rewards."
Who would play you in a film of your life?
"It would have to be someone very cool, so I think Morgan Freeman perhaps. He's got a fantastic voice and real screen presence."
Favourite food?
"Steak and then more steak."
