BEN SANDILANDS was "confident and nervous at the same time" ahead of an incredible race that saw him become a Paralympic Games champion.

But the 21-year-old was shocked to find out he'd claimed a new world record along with a gold medal during a memorable day in Paris.

The Fife AC star could be set to add to his collection of honours on Saturday at the scottishathletics 4J Studios Annual Awards, in which he has been shortlisted for Para Athlete of the Year.

Ben, whose coach, Steve Doig, has also been recognised with a nomination in the Para Performance Coach of the Year category, made his Games debut when he lined up for T20 classification 1500 metres event at the Stade de France last month.

In a race that was one in the delayed Tokyo Paralympics by team-mate, and West Fife track star, Owen Miller, in 2021, Ben stormed to a stunning success in a time of three minutes and 45.50 seconds, which set a new world record.

Speaking to Press Sport at Pitreavie Athletics Centre, where a training group he and Owen are part of is led by Steve, on his return from Paris, he said of his medal win: "It's really good.

"It has sunk in now. I thought I'd just sit behind the leaders for most of the race, and just kick it in the last 200 metres. It worked fine and worked out how I wanted it to work.

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"I was confident and nervous at the same time, I would say. I was worried I wasn't going to come away with a medal, but then, at the same time, I did think I could come away with a medal. It was mixed feelings.

Ben Sandilands struck gold in his first Paralympic Games.Ben Sandilands struck gold in his first Paralympic Games. (Image: David Wardle.)

"It was really good. I was just delighted to get to the line!

"I didn't have a clue I got the world record until the guy gave me the flag to go and get my picture taken next to the clock.

"I didn't think I'd get the world record."

Coach Steve added: "It's incredible. I guess it's a different scenario from Owen's, because Owen moved to our group as an adult, but I've coached Ben since he was nine.

"Obviously, they've both achieved at the same level, and it's two incredible performances, but two different journeys, I guess, within the group."

The scottishathletics 4J Studios Annual Awards take place in Glasgow on Saturday evening.