Hero’s welcome for silver racer

Friday 19th September 2008, 11:50AM BST.

Mickey Bushell is given a guard of honour at TCAT in Telford today.

Success at the Beijing Paralympics was finally starting to sink in today for silver medal hero Mickey Bushell.

Hundreds of students lined the entrance and packed out the sports hall at Telford College of Arts and Technology to give a surprise hero’s welcome to Mickey, who took silver in the men’s 100m T53 wheelchair race.

See our photo gallery below

The 18-year-old, who flew in to London late last night, was told by his parents that they were dropping by the college to pick up his timetable for the new term.

But waiting for him were rows of students, clapping and cheering, to welcome him back.

Inside the sports hall, a large screen replayed Mickey’s incredible victory and he showed off his solid silver medal as well as signing autographs for fellow students.

He revealed that he was aiming to go one better at London 2012 to take gold.

Mickey He told his audience: “It was fantastic experience.

He added: “I was shocked to see everyone waiting for me but it was good too.”

Mickey, of Ketley Bank, described the atmosphere at the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing as “fantastic” and said he surpassed his expectations to scoop the silver medal.

College principal Doug Boynton said: “We are all tremendously proud.”

More pictures here – Medal heroes Ricky Balshaw and Mickey Bushell back home

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