The 31-year-old Londoner, who claimed victory in the men's T54 800 and 1500 metres in Beijing, is widely regarded as one the world's top wheelchair racers and is set to be one of the biggest stars competing in 2012.

But Weir admitted the stress and strain of competition is beginning to takes its toll and that he is unsure if he will continue to compete at the top level after 2012.

"London is obviously a huge goal and something I can't wait to be a part of but it may well be my last competition," he said.

"I haven't sat down and really thought it through yet but it is obviously really tough to stay at the top in this sport and that is something I have to be aware of.

"After you win gold at the Paralympics you've got everyone out there gunning for you and there are new people coming through to challenge you all the time.

"Developing nations in Africa have really started making an impact on the world stage and there are also the likes of China and Japan who have got some really talented young guys who are always getting better, so it's only going to get tougher and tougher the older you get.

"We'll have to wait and see what happens but I don't really know if I would be able to punish my body with another four years of hard training to make the next Paralympics in 2016.

"It isn't something I want to make a decision about now though, so I'll just put everything in to London 2012, see how I do there, and then see how I feel physically and mentally afterwards."

Weir's next big challenge is the New York Marathon next weekend which sees him go up against the likes of Australian defending champion Kurt Fearnley and South African former winner Ernst Van Dyk.

However, four-time London Marathon champion Weir revealed he is in fantastic shape and hoping to dethrone Fearnley, who has won the last four editions of the event.

Weir said: "I'm going to New York to win.

"I go into every race expecting to win whether it is a little low key race or a massive race like New York.

"I always want to win and that is why I do what I do.

"I'm currently training really well, I'm in good shape and I feel confident in my new racing chair.

"After what happened at the London Marathon this year (where Weir was comfortably leading before picking up two punctured tyres to finish third) I'm training with new tyres that are very robust and that I'm very happy with.

"I'm really looking forward to New York and I just can't wait to get out there and race."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
September 2010: Sweet revenge for Weir at Great North Run
August 2010: Weir beaten by Hug at Crystal Palace
July 2010: Weir discovers reason for poor form
May 2010: Weir and Woods win in Manchester
April 2010: Weir London Marathon challenge falls flat as training partner wins