Lucker surpasses himself with four gold medals at World Championships

WHEELCHAIR athlete Daniel Lucker has admitted that storming to four gold medals at the IWAS World Championships in Switzerland last weekend was beyond his wildest dreams.

RISING STAR: Dan Lucker reveals his impressive medal haul at the World Championships was way beyond his expectations

The 16-year-old picked-up gold in the 100m, 200m, 1500m and 5000m events as well as two silver medals  in the 400m and 800m in Notwill, proving once again why people such as double Paralympic gold medallist David Weir have tipped him for the top.

It has been another successful season for Lucker, who won the Adidas Mini London Marathon in April as well as being selected for the UKA Heroes scheme, but his Swiss adventure exceeded even his expectations.

He said: "I'm delighted with how I did in Switzerland - I didn't ever think I would do as well as I did.

"I was really shocked to win the four golds - I thought I would be able to go out there and win the 5k and the 1500m but to win gold in the shorter events is beyond what I was hoping.

"I think because I wasn't expecting to do so well over the sprints then I didn't put too much pressure on myself and was able to just go out there and race.

"I think every athlete races better when they are relaxed and it really showed for me.

" I always get a bit nervous when I'm out competing but I think a little bit of nerves is always a good thing - just not too many."

Lucker won the 100m in a time of 16.72 seconds - over a second faster than second placed Jake Lappin of Australia - but, not resting on his laurels, he's already looking forward to mixing it with the big boys at this weekend's Crystal Palace Grand Prix.

"I've got Crystal Palace which will be the biggest senior event I've ever competed in," he added.

"I'm getting quite nervous about it already but I just want to go there and perform as well as I know I can.

"My main aim going there will be to make the finals and enjoy myself - I'm not expecting to go there and win.

"I've had a really good season so putting in a good performance at Crystal Palace would be a brilliant way to finish my summer."

UKA Heroes project sponsored by Original Source is a successful initiative which offers financial support to talented young athletes who are working towards the 2012 and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.