Toby Richardson, 16, is the reigning champion and is regarded as one of Britain’s most promising Paralympic prospects.
His preparations for the 2026 season were thrown into doubt after a difficult spell over the winter limited his training.
However, a recent performance at Yate has boosted confidence ahead of Saturday’s race.
Richardson clocked 16.24 seconds in the 100m, just shy of his personal best of 16.14, and set a new personal best in the 200m on the same day.
His mother, Leanne, said the run marked a significant moment in his comeback.
“He was really pleased. Considering the bad winter training he had, it’s made him feel much more confident going into the 2026 race season,” she said.
She also said his mindset had improved following recognition at the Pride of Swindon Awards.
“His mindset is much more positive since the awards,” she added.
Richardson will now line up against some of the country’s top young athletes in the capital, this time with the added expectation that comes with being defending champion.
“It does bring a bit of pressure, but the crowd there lift you up, and as soon as it starts you become focused on the race,” Leanne said.
Training in the build up to the event has seen him work six days a week, balancing time on the track with recovery and nutrition.
“He makes sure he has time with his friends as well as recovering from the tough schedule,” she said.
Over the past year, his development has also included classification at a competition in Switzerland, marking an important step on the international stage.
“For me as a mum, that was the realisation that he is now at that next level,” Leanne said.
While ambitions remain long term, including a target of reaching the 2028 Summer Paralympics, the immediate focus is on continued improvement.
“For now, it’s about keeping training hard and continuing to bring his times down,” she said. “You never know, you might see him a bit more on TV in the future.”
Richardson’s race will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer from 8.15am on Saturday, with his event due to start at 8.30am.
