Legendary distance runner Noel Thatcher has been selected for the British training squad for the world athletics championships for the blind in Madrid this summer.

Thatcher, who won double gold at the 1996 Paralympics with victories in the 5,000m and 10,000m despite arriving in Atlanta with a stress fracture to his leg, is also the reigning world champion at 10,000 metres.

The injury prevented him from emulating hero Emile Zapotek by also winning the marathon in Atlanta and this time round he will be running the 1,500m and 5,000m.

Thatcher, from Harlow, is joined by 13 other athletes in the squad for the multi sport event in Spain.

Middle distance runner Bob Matthews MBE, holder of 27 gold, two silver and three bronze medals at European, World and Paralympic Games between 1983 and 1994, is likely to join him.

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