Swimmer Craig Moate with his many trophies

The father of a world record holding swimmer said more learning disability events should be introduced at the Paralympics after his son missed out on a spot at the London Games.

Athletes with learning disabilities will be able to compete in the Paralympics this year for the first time since 2000, but only some events are to be featured.

Among those not included, are the 800 metre and 1,500 swimming events, in which Dagenham swimmer Craig Moate, 27, holds world records in.

Learning disability athletes were excluded from the Paralympics after Sydney 2000, when it emerged players on the Spanish basketball team had faked having a disability.

The category was re-introduced for the London Games, and it is hoped more events will be featured in Rio in 2016.

But Craig’s father, Doug, told the Post his son was “very disappointed” not to be able to compete as a Paralympian on home turf: “He really wanted to take part, especially as it’s in London, and was gutted when he heard his events wouldn’t be included.

“He would have had a really good chance at winning a medal, so it’s a real shame.”

Doug urged the International Olympic Committee to introduce more events at the next Games.

“Bringing the learning disability category back is a great step forward but now it needs to go further,” he said.

As a result of the controversy in Sydney a new testing system has been used to make sure every learning disability athlete has an IQ below 75.

Among the events featured this year are the 100 metre breast stroke and back stroke, table tennis and some athletic events.

Craig’s most recent successes include a silver medal in the 400 metres and bronze in the 200 metres at the British International Disability Championships in Sheffield in May.