The news of Carruthers' death was announced by the company he founded following a road traffic accident in 1983, Bromakin Wheelchairs.

Following his accident 36 years ago, Carruthers, considered an industry pinoeer, was keen to continue an active lifestyle and, with the support of his wife Sheila, adapted his wheelchair on his kitchen table into a specialist racing chair.

He played wheelchair rugby in its early days in Britain and went on to have a long and successful racing career – completing more than 50 marathons.

The highlight came at the 1988 Paralympic Games in Seoul, where Carruthers won the 100 metres 1B gold medal and claimed the world record in the process.

Four years later, he represented Britain at Barcelona 1992, where he set national records in three track events.

Carruthers, born in 1949, encouraged others to take up wheelchair racing and became chair of the British Wheelchair Racing Association.

He also introduced well-known Paralympians, including Tanni Grey-Thompson and David Weir, to the sport and to their customised chairs.

Carruthers continued to play wheelchair rugby with East Midlands Marauders and, in recognition of his achievements, was awarded an honorary Master of Arts from Loughborough University.

He was also honoured with an Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his commitment to pioneering the development of bespoke sports equipment for disabled athletes and championing disabled sports.

"Peter was an inspirational character and a legend in the wheelchair racing and rugby communities and is a sad loss to the movement," Nick Webborn, chair of the British Paralympic Association, said.

"His work in advancing sports chair and wheelchair design is a also a huge legacy and helped so many of our community.

"His achievements were extraordinary, his contribution immense, and he will be sorely missed."