LIBBY CLEGG ANNOUNCES THAT SHE IS EXPECTING HER FIRST CHILD

Paralympic champion Libby Clegg has announced that she and fiancé Dan Powell are expecting their first child in March 2019.

Clegg has competed at the last three Paralympic Games, winning numerous medals and breaking two world records. She achieved her greatest success in 2016 as she became a double Paralympic gold medallist in Brazil, winning the T11 100m & 200m titles.

She said: “Reaching my lifetime dream in Rio was everything I’d ever wanted, but it meant that afterwards I felt like I had no purpose and really struggled to motivate myself”.

However, since finding out she is going to have a child, she said: “I’m incredibly excited about becoming a parent and starting a different chapter in my life. I’ve achieved everything I ever set out to do in sport and now I see this as a new challenge, as well as a way to reignite my passion for athletics”.

Clegg is aiming to follow the example set by Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, as she plans to continue training in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the goal of defending her Paralympic titles.

“I think having the challenge of juggling my sporting career and being a mum will give me extra motivation and hunger to succeed. Jess has been a real inspiration, as well as being incredibly supportive; giving me advice and her first-hand experience of what it will be like for me to get back competing”.

Paula Dunn, Para Athletics Head Coach at British Athletics added:

“I am delighted to hear Libby and Dan’s fabulous news and wish them all the best as they take on this new chapter in their lives. We will continue to support Libby throughout this time, and as she targets British teams for future championships and Games.”