London 2012 Paralympics: David Weir

What would your advice be to someone taking up your sport?

Find a good club, and just enjoy it. It’s a great sport. It can be tough getting used to the technical side of it, so focus on the enjoyment first and see where it takes you.

What have you had to give up in order to do hours of rigorous training? Do you regret this at all?

Just the social life. Obviously I do mix it up a bit. It’s harder when you’re young – when you want to go out all the time to clubs and pubs. That’s why I took a break when I was 17/18, going to places like the Ministry of Sound. Eventually I got bored of doing that all the time (though I still go), and came back.

If the monarchy suddenly disbanded, what song would you want played at your gold medal ceremony instead?

Any Kings of Leon song. Normally I like underground electronic music – I DJ a bit – but that wouldn’t work at a medal ceremony!

What's your London guilty pleasure and favourite spot?

Probably going to the Ministry. Once I’m there I love it. I don’t want to leave till 6 in the morning. I’d love to DJ there when I retire.

Who's your Olympics crush?

No one.

Many people start practising a sport but never make it to competition level - what made you persist and what advice would you give others?

It seemed I had a gift. I knew I had to work hard at that gift, but I realised straight away it was going to be a career.

What goes through your head whilst competing? Do you have any superstitions or mental tricks?

When I was at the World Championships in January [where he won three gold medals] I won the first race. Just before I had a toasted cheese and ham sandwich with brown sauce in it. Because that had worked for me, I had it every day.

What does your diet consist of, and how does it change when you're training?

It’s quite a balanced but there’s a lot of chicken and pasta. I can eat what I what to a certain degree, as long as it’s healthy, because of the amount that we train. In general I find that my body tells me what I want. I’m not really into sweet things anyway.

What will be unique about the London Paralympics?

The opportunity to take part in a home Games in front of the home crowd. It’s a cliché but the crowd can be the extra player in team sport.