A West Kingsdown wheelchair superstar has overcome the odds to take gold in the Manchester half-marathon.

However the victory was bitter-sweet for John Smith, 26, of Neal Road, after unexpected roadblocks disrupted his race on October 16. 

The athlete was on track for a 48 minute personal best in spite of terrible wind conditions.

However, as he reached the 12 mile point, a skip lorry entered the course forcing the athlete to stop.

As he manoeuvred around the truck Smith faced marathon runners coming the other way.

The racer holding 2nd place was knocked out of his chair in the track confusion.

On the race Smith said: “My thoughts?

“You don't want to know, they messed up the course again.

“The course itself is great and I was feeling really good up until that point.”

Smith set a victory time of 00:51:08 just shy of the elusive sub-50 minute half-marathon.

News Shopper:
John Smith is hoping for success at the World Championships in London next year

The Paralympic hopeful, who nearly died from blood poisoning, is back on track for the world championships.

He contracted septicaemia during a marathon in South Korea four months ago dashing his chances to compete in Rio.

Speaking about his recovery Smith said: “Physically I feel better than ever.

“Since being discharged from hospital training has been really good.

"I'm stronger, fitter, faster.

“I’m back working with Dave Weir and the rest of the boys at the Weir Archer Academy and things are getting better by the week .

“Mentally I think these comeback races are doing me good.

“Eight weeks and I've already won the Manchester half marathon and set a new course record.

“But I have to give full credit to my coach jenny archer MBE , she has got me back into top racing condition in such a short time and really I couldn't do it without her."

To find out more about the racer click here.