Super run from Ben claims T20 1500m gold and new World Record

Friday 6th September 2024

Ben Sandilands claimed gold on his Paralympics debut – with a World Record run in the T20 1500m final.

The super Scot, who won the World Champs in France last year, was back in Paris for his first time at the Paralympics.

And the Fife AC athlete came up with a devastating closing lap to take gold by a big margin in a new global best mark of 3:45.40.

It means the same coaching group led by Steve Doig is celebrating back-to-back Paralympics titles in the T20 1500m event after Owen Miller won this final in Tokyo.

Ben was always in contention but was third after the bell in a fast race as the Italian athlete challenged favourite, American Michael Brannigan.

But in a move we have seen a number of times down the years in Scottish age group and Senior championship events, Ben had more to give over the last 250m or so and he stormed clear with his rivals left to battle for silver and bronze.

Many congratulations to Ben, his family and coach Steve as well as all at Fife AC!

Photo via Iamgecomms

‘It is an incredible feeling; it has been amazing.,’ said Ben.

‘A lot of hard work has gone into this. I want to say a big thanks to my family and friends, and my coach (Steve) who have helped me get here.

‘I knew I would be fast at the end of the race. I knew I had it when I went into the lead.’

Photo via Paralympics GB

Tags: Ben Sandilands, Paralympics, Paris 2024, Paris 2024 Paralympic Games