Paul Blake gains ParalympicsGB’s 50th gold in Rio with 400m win

Paul Blake claimed the British Paralympic team’s 50th gold medal in Rio with an impressive victory in the T36 400m.

The 26-year-old was runner-up four years ago, but went into Rio as world No.1 and was unfazed by his lane eight draw as he clocked his second fastest time ever of 54.49 – his quickest since winning silver at London 2012.

After securing the British athletics team a 14th gold, Blake will now attempt to add to the growing collection in the 800m on Saturday night.

Blake said: “It feels incredible – I’ve worked so hard to get where I am now. Coming out of London, I wanted to go one better. I’m still lost for words and it just hasn’t sunk in. I’m sure it will later on or maybe after the 800m.”

In the absence of Russia’s world champion and world record-holder Evgenii Shvetcov, Blake entered the race as favourite, but an unfavourable outside lane draw saw him quickly caught by the Polish runner on his inside.

Blake maintained his composure to position himself on Krzysztof Ciuksza’s shoulder and overtake him with 90 metres remaining. Pavlyk and Australia’s William Stedman were eventually left to battle it out for the …

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