Libby Clegg wins Paralympic gold after disqualification drama

Libby Clegg, who studied in Edinburgh, tonight won gold in the Paralympic T11 100m in Rio with a dramatic dip at the line to snatch the glory from Zhou Guohua of China by two one-hundreths of a second in 11.96.

Libby Clegg and Chris Clarke had to wait nervously for the final timings

China’s Liu Cuiqing took the bronze medal and Brazil’s Terezhina Guilhermina came fourth.

Earlier in the day Clegg set a world record of 11.91 seconds in her semi-final heat, but officials determined that guide Chris Clarke dragged her in the race, contrary to regulations. However, the British team lodged an appeal which was upheld.

Clegg said: “I’m over the moon. We ran a similar time in the semi. Almost being disqualified in the semis – these things happen. You have to get on with it and hope for the best.

“Chris has been fantastic. I had a change of guides in November and we started together in February.”

The 26-year-old Scot, who has a deteriorating eye condition, has admitted she still finds it difficult running with a blindfold.

However, she showed no such problems in the final, surging towards the line just when it looked like she might have to settle for one of the lower places.

Clarke joked after the final: “She did all the work, I’m just here like John Terry!”