Rio 2016 Paralympics: David Weir set to miss birth of his fourth child as he goes for gold in Brazil

DAVID WEIR is set to miss the birth of his fourth child as he attempts to win Paralympic gold.

The wheelchair racer will be in South America when his partner Emily Thorne is expected to go into labour in South London.

The couple’s third child – David has a son Ronnie from a previous relationship – is due to arrive on Saturday September 17.

This is the day before Weir takes part in the men’s T54 marathon, his fifth and final event out in Rio.

Weir returns to the UK at 10am on Tuesday September 20 and is hoping Emily can just hold out for a few days.

Weir, 37, joked: “Yes, we could have time it better if I am honest!

“But we have spoken about it as a couple. And it’s one of those things.

“It’s likely I won’t be there, especially if our new son arrives on time or early.

“It will be very disappointing to miss my child’s birth. Friends and family are supporting Emily back home in South London. I would rather he comes a couple of days late.

“It has been a long summer but I have tried to stay at home as long as I can. I have stayed with the family as long as possible before coming over to Brazil.”

Weir will race in five events over the space of seven days. He is scheduled to compete in the T54 400m, 800m, 1500m, marathon and the T53-54 4x400m relay.

At the London 2012 Games, the Weirwolf’s Chariot was on Fire as he famously won four Paralympic gold medals.

However, he is not quite the dominant force that he was four years ago, simply because the competition has improved significantly.

The likes of Thailand trio Rawat Tana, Prawat Wahoram and Saichon Konjen, long-term Swiss rival Marcle Hug, Dutchman Kenny van Weeghel and China’s Liu Chengming all fancy their chances now.

But Weir reckons his ability to produce on the biggest stage will give him that competitive advantage.

Weir said: “Arguably there is probably more pressure on me to deliver because of what I did in London. Everybody expects me to win, win, win and win all the time.

“I feel relax to be honest about my situation. I don’t have a point to prove.

“Mentally and physically, I feel like I am in great shape.

“I’m a big-game player and hopefully it will come good in Rio. My main focus this year has been to get those seven days right in Rio and come away a few medals.”