Paralympic champion Ben Sandilands returns to his roots at horticultural college

A Fife athlete who struck gold at the Paralympics has returned to his roots back at horticultural college.

Ben Sandilands, who set a new world record at the Paris games was back at Elmwood College in Cupar where he celebrated his success with fellow students in a polytunnel.

The 21-year old stormed to victory in the men’s T20 1500m, setting a new world record.

Ben said he treated the Paralympics like any other competition.

He said: “I just went into it, thinking of it as a normal race and see how things would plan out and it planned out perfectly. I like the sprint finish at the end.”

Ben, who has autism and dyspraxia, has been running since he was nine years old.

He is known for his devastating kick at the end of races and brings the same dynamism to his horticultural studies.

Mark Harper, Horticulture Team Leader at Elmwood College said: “He’s very keen. He loves coming to college and he loves getting involved in the practical work.

“He’s always cheeky when he’s here, keeping us on our toes all the time. He’s a really good student and we’re all really proud of him.”

Ben will compete on the cross country circuit over the winter and has his sights set on securing another Paralympic gold when the games take place in Los Angeles in 2028.