Hart targets hat-trick of sprint titles after Delhi triumph

The 20-year-old from Redditch, Worcestershire, who has cerebral palsy, won T37 100 metres gold for England in Delhi last October and now aims to move two thirds of the way to a hat-trick of titles at the International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships – with the London 2012 Paralympics also a target.

"That would be very nice," Hart said of the prospect of winning three titles in successive years.

"At the moment I'm just trying to concentrate on performing to my best. I believe I am good enough to be No 1."

Hart, who runs in the 100m and 200m, was introduced to Paralympic sport aged 14 and a year later won bronze at the 2005 European Championships.

Since storming to victory in Delhi, Hart has enjoyed the attention.

"The first few weeks I just allowed it to sink in and it's been absolutely great," she said.

She was named the International Paralympic Committee's athlete of the month for October 2010 following a public vote.

Hart revealed her friends, relatives and supporters helped swing the vote her way.

The University of Bath student, whose mum, aunt and uncle will be in Christchurch at the World Championships, said: "My training group voted every day and my friends woke up early on the day it was closing and got all of their friends to vote.

"The support has been great throughout my career, but ever since Delhi things have really picked up.

"It motivates me to achieve because I want them to be proud of me.

"Training's been going really well. It's been ticking over and making sure everything's perfect.

"I feel quite nervous, but all I can do is perform to my best.

Britain's 40-strong team includes five-time Paralympian Kenny Churchill of Middlesbrough, who competes in the F37 javelin.