David Weir won Britain's first athletics gold of the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing on Sunday, when he stormed to victory in the T54 800m, his first Paralympic title of a 12-year career at the top of international wheelchair racing.

"It is the most amazing feeling," said Weir. "It's all I have trained for to become a Paralympic champion. I can't really put it into words now."

Weir came to Beijing seeking five medals from five events and he now has three from three with the 1,00m and marathon to come.

After struggling with a cold earlier in the week and suffering disappointment when he lost the 400m final on Wednesday, Weir finally won gold at the distance he describes as his bogey event.

His tactics were clear - go from the front and let nobody past.

Weir led from the start just as he did in the semi-final, but this time he kept something in reserve, watching his rivals as they tracked his every move.

Prawat Wahoram, who beat Weir in the 5,000m final on Thursday, came alongside at 400m.

But Weir would not be moved. He held off the Thai wheeler's challenge round the final bend and entered the straight with his head down and elbows pumping.

Australia's Kurt Fearnley tried to squeeze through on the inside but the Wallington man was too strong.

He crossed the line in 1:36.61, punched the air and screamed "Yes!"

"I gave 100 per cent of effort," said the 29-year-old. "I tried to break the world record yesterday but today I kept telling myself to calm down so I didn't to go too quickly.

"I was a bit shocked when Prawat came alongside me.

"I saw him on the screen, but I didn't panic on the bend. I didn't want to push too hard.

"On the final lap I kept telling myself I had to stay at the front, and I did it.

"I knew I had it on the home straight. There was no way Kurt was coming past me."

Fearnley finished second in 1:36.76 and Wahoram third with 1:37.12.

"I am feeling a lot better than at start of the week and my confidence is getting better each day," Weir added.

"The doctors have really looked after me every day out here and I need to thank Noel Pollock from UK Athletics he has been superb."