Trackspeed1 sprinter Jason Hussain drew the line under a long and distinguished athletics career in the most dramatic fashion possible on Monday (3rd September) in the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.
As one of the nominees from the squad to remain on standby for helping as a guide to foreign athletes competing in the Paralympic Games athletics events, he was called up to assist Nepal's Bikram Rana in the T11 200 metres event.
Competing in front of a packed stadium, Jason was staggered by the support given to the athletes, and the atmosphere generally in the stadium - even though he had been a spectator at one of the Olympic Games sessions a couple of weeks earlier.
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| Jason Hussain (left) with Paralympic sprinter Bikram Rana (centre) |
"It was amazing, and to actually take part in something connected with the London Games was a real privilege," he said.
His efforts didn't go unrewarded either. Although Bikram finished fourth of four competitors in his heat, the unsighted sprinter set a personal best and Nepal national record in clocking 26.95.
Jason's track career now draws to a close, having seen him rub shoulders with some of the best of British over the past decade. He represented Great Britain as a junior, and has been a steady performer at national level throughout his senior career.
One of his most notable achievements was not so much a performance, but his successful battle in 2008 with Cancer, which saw him back into training just 20 days after his final dose of chemotherapy, which in itself was a huge inspiration to those around him.
"Jason was - and is - a tough cookie," said coach John Powell, "and he has pulled through some really sticky patches that others would have struggled to emerge from.
"His character and experience will be missed from the squad, but life dictates that, unless you are at the very top in track and field, you have to earn a living somehow, and that is now his priority.
"Everyone at Trackspeed1 UK wishes him well for the future. He has a wealth of experience, especially during the time he worked for me as the Met-Track Scheme Manager, and he will be a huge asset to any future employer."
Jason will have one final race today (Saturday 8th) in the Super8 final before he finally hangs up his spikes.
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