Claire Cashmore shines at National Paralympic Day

Worcestershire’s Cashmore, who picked up two silvers and a bronze in 2012 to add to the three Paralympic medals already in her collection, took to the site of her home medal wins once again.

She was in action in the 100-metre breaststroke and stormed to victory in one minute 22.73 seconds in front of a packed house at London’s Aquatics Centre.

The 27-year-old wants to keep producing the goods into 2016 as she gears up for her fourth Paralympic Games.

“With Rio on the horizon, next year is huge for all of us and for me, if I am selected, it will be my fourth Paralympics, which is crazy,” she said.

“Events like National Paralympic Day really keep the spirit of London alive and put Paralympic sport on a pedestal.

“Rio has the chance to build on that and pick up the baton where London left off and you can see the enthusiasm is there.

“I was really happy with my swim and put in a really good performance to take the win.

“We have nationals coming up so hopefully I can keep the form going and maybe go a little bit quicker.”

National Paralympic Day is an annual event designed to help continue the legacy of the 2012 Games with elite athletics also taking part at the Olympic Stadium.

Cashmore, of Kidderminster, said the memories came flooding back as she took her place on the blocks in the capital.

“I really love this place and I really love this pool. Being here again brought back so many memories of London 2012,” she added.

“I think every time I swim here it will be special and I will always have those memories of that special time.

“But Rio is on the horizon now and we are all really focused on that.

“It’s inevitable that towards the end of the season you are going to get tired but it’s important to keep your focus and that’s what it’s about now for me.”

National Paralympic Day is generously supported by Spirit of 2012.

Find out more at paralympics.org.uk/npd2015