Illias Zghoundi has captured countless medals, trophies, and titles across an array of distances

SPEED demon Illias Zghoundi is gearing up for his biggest year yet after being selected as one of only two para-athletes in the country for England Athletics’ Junior Talent Programme (JTP).

It is little surprise that the wheelchair racer is being tracked by the sport’s governing body, having captured countless medals, trophies, and titles across an array of distances, including 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1,500m.

The rapid teenager has continually conquered the capital, too – whizzing around the streets of Westminster in record time on his way to winning the Mini London Marathon four years in a row.

Despite his formidable CV, however, Illias was still shocked when the invite came through.

“It’s really exciting news, and very unexpected,” said the 18-year-old, who lives in West Hampstead. “It was actually my mum who received the email saying that I had been selected for the programme as I was at school, but when she told me, I was delighted. I’m very happy.

“I’ve been part of England Athletics’ Para Academy for three years, which has been great. All the hard work that I’ve been putting in is paying off, and it’s a really good feeling knowing that I’m on their radar and that my performances are being noticed.”

In recent months, Illias has been honing his skills over greater distances. In September, he took part in the Great North Run in Newcastle, completing the 13-mile half-marathon in just over one hour, five minutes (1:05.28) to secure 11th place. He also returned to Westminster to race in the Vitality London 10k, where he finished third with a time of 30 minutes, 03 seconds – sharing the podium with one of his heroes, six-time Paralympic champion David Weir, who won the event.

The JTP aims to increase the number of talented athletes and para-athletes who have “the skills, competencies, knowledge, and resilience” to progress to world-class programmes and succeed at senior championships.

The pathway will also present the best of the best with the opportunity of representing England and Team GB.

Illias, who is currently studying A-levels in maths, physics and economics at Maria Fidelis Sixth Form in Somers Town, competes in the T54 category, which is for athletes with paraplegia but who have normal hand and arm function and normal or limited trunk function.

He has already been to a special introduction day at Loughborough University and will now return to Leicestershire over the coming months for a series of eight training camps.

With at least one of those training camps expected to take place before the new year, Illias said: “I’ve never been involved in an elite programme like the JTP before – I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s going to give me a great chance to really educate myself about the sport; to develop a better understanding of strength and conditioning, recovery, nutrition, as well as getting advice on my technique and more support.

“I’m ready to learn as much as possible.”

New chair could give edge

POTENTIAL Paralympian Illias is still searching for support away from the track in the hope of funding a new specialised racing wheelchair that will “knock vital seconds” off his best times.

In a bid to fulfil his dream of one day representing Team GB at the Paralympics, Illias turned to crowdfunding platform GoFundMe to help raise £20,000.

So far, the speedster has managed to raise a little over £1,450 towards his overall target.

Speaking to the New Journal in the summer, Illias (above) said: “I want to thank everyone who has donated so far, it really means a lot. Any and all help is really appreciated. If you can’t afford to donate, then please share my story with friends and family, and on your social media channels.”

Explaining the difference a lighter wheelchair with better rigidity would make, Illias added: “The chair I have now is heavier, so as I pick up more speed and power it’s harder to control.

“A new chair will allow me to go from competing at an intermediate level to an elite level. I could literally take three or four seconds off my time in the 400m, and maybe even six or seven seconds off my 800m. The difference would be massive.”

• To support Illias in getting a new racing wheelchair visit www.gofundme.com