Rob’s Paralympics wait is almost over (From Swindon Advertiser)

Rob’s Paralympics wait is almost over

3:15pm Tuesday 10th July 2012 in London Olympics 2012 - Latest News By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND’S Robin Womack will today discover if his Paralympic dream has come true.

The wheelchair-bound shot-putter has enjoyed a successful season so far.

But he insists that will count for nothing if he fails to make the squad for London.

“I’m desperate to go to the Games and if I don’t then having got personal bests and producing some good performances won’t really matter,” said Womack.

“I would like to think I’m in a good position to be selected because I have achieved all that has been asked of me.

“However, I don’t want to tempt fate by getting too excited too soon.”

Womack set a new lifetime best of 11.05metres at Stoke Mandeville on Saturday.

That is far further than the A qualifying mark of 9.90m and, in a complicated points system governed by the sport’s organising committee, the keen Southend United supporter has 952 points, which is 72 above what is required.

On top of that, Womack is currently ranked third in the world in the combined classes.

And he hopes that will be enough for him to get the nod.

“If I don’t get picked then I’m going to be gutted and I am really on tenterhooks about it at the moment,” said Womack.

“I’m taking my phone with me everywhere I go just in case they call me to let me know.

“But when anyone else calls me I want them to get off the phone in case the selectors are trying to get through.

“I was devastated when I missed out on Beijing four years ago, but I’m in a much stronger position this time and I don’t want to miss out again.”

Womack’s personal best throw at Stoke Mandeville was watched by the Team GB selectors and UK Athletics throwing coach Shaun Pickering.

It was also the first time he had thrown more than 11 metres and beat his previous best of 10.97m which he set in New Zealand last year.

But it was not just the shot where Womack impressed at the weekend as he set a new PB of 29.38m in the discus as well.