Cambridge: Peacock Takes Gold

Cambridgeshire Paralympic runner Jonnie Peacock has taken the gold medal in the men's 100 metre race at London 2012.

After a powerful start, the 19 year old, who was born in Cambridge and has family in Doddington near March, crossed the finish line in 10.9 seconds to win gold at the Olympic Stadium.

Peacock said: "I am a little bit [disappointed I didn't go faster]. 

The form I've been in the last few weeks, it is a bit of a shame.

But to come out on this stage it really was a mental battle more than anything else.''

He proved more than capable of handling the occasion, dealing with a faulty start and even trying to quieten the chants of 'Peacock, Peacock, Peacock' which rang around the stadium before the start. 

He added: "I didn't know who would get a bigger cheer - Oscar Pistorius or me, because he is such a legend. 

I haven't been nervous. 

I was doing my strides in warm-up and I was ready. 

I felt on form, I knew I had it in me.''

There were celebrations in Doddington as Jonnie took the gold medal.

Brian Adams, landlord of The Three Tuns pub in the village, told Heart: "I think he did a fantastic job.

The pressure was on him, but he pulled a performance out of the hat.

I'm sure everybody in the village and in the country is very proud of him."

Christine Curtis, Chair of Doddington Parish Council, told Heart: "The mood in the village is quite buoyant.

Everybody is waking around with a smile on their face and we are all really pleased for him."

Meanwhile Royal Mail has confirmed it is waiting to hear whether Jonnie wants a gold-painted postbox, and if he does, where he wants it located.