A West Kingsdown paralympic hopeful, who nearly died from blood poisoning, is back on track for the world championships.

Wheelchair racer John Smith, 26, of Neal Road, contracted septicaemia during a marathon in South Korea four months ago.

He was competing in the Seoul marathon when he cut himself on the wheel arches of his racing chair.

After returning to England Mr Smith continued to train for another three weeks until he was admitted to hospital in late June.

Speaking to News Shopper, Mr Smith said: “Imagine a really strong flu.

“I turned yellow because the septicemia had gone through my bloodstream to my liver.

“If I had given it another week the best scenario is I would have been in intensive care.

“It was worrying to say the least because you don’t know how strong you’re going to come back.”

For two months his body battled the infection at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire, forcing the paralympic hopeful to bow out of Rio.

Mr Smith was due to represent Team GB in the T54 marathon event.

But the racing star was given the all clear at the end of September and has since finished second in the Lisbon half marathon (October 2) and is set to take part in yet another half-marathon on October 16th in Manchester.

News Shopper:
Wheelchair racer John Smith, 26, of Neal Road, contracted septicaemia during a marathon in South Korea

“It was a freak accident,” the racer said, “I trained for four years for Rio.

“Through no fault of my own I was ill.

“It was just my luck.

“If anything happens it happens to me.”

The athlete’s journey has been marred by setbacks.

On June 22, Mr Smith’s £5,000 chair was stolen.

But following a police appeal it was mysteriously returned.

The north Kent hopeful, who trains at Gravesend’s Cyclopark, was ranked number two in Team GB - his training partner and six-time gold medallist David Weir sits above him.

Since his illness he is now more determined than ever to take the top titles for his newly born daughter.

“She drives me on a bit more,” Mr Smith said, “Before it was about me and myself.

“When you become a parent, it all changes.

“So my next target is the world championships in London and then we have the commonwealth.

“But the next paralympics are in the back of my mind.”

To follow the athlete’s journey visit his Twitter @Johnboytweet or Facebook Johnwheelchairracer.