Now that world championships are over for another year it’s time to get some much-needed rest and recovery as the focus shifts 100% towards the Rio Paralympic Games which are only 300 days to go.
But before we look forward I wanted to share some of my favorite
Moments from Doha,
Just note, that I may be a little biased! In no particular order
1.The women’s t42 long jump, obviously for anyone who knows me realises that I have a personal connection to this event with my girlfriend Vanessa Low, one of the contenders. With Vanessa and the Italian competitor joint world record holders at the beginning of the event, it was going to be a great battle. After round one the Italian held a good lead, but from round two Vanessa lept over the world record, and held the lead and extending the distance on a number of attempts, to take the gold, this was amazing to see, she was battling with a few things in the lead up to world champs and was finding it difficult to get her run-up right, but the big lesson to learn was that even when things aren’t always going your way, believing in your ability and finding a way to perform and win, is a sign of a true champion, and this is what she did, it was well deserved, as I believe no one has worked harder over the past two years to be able to achieve this.
2.Chad Perris in the t13 200m, not his preferred event, and he had already picked up a bronze in the 100m so really, the pressure was off, the race was one of the most exciting events I have ever seen, as Perris Stormed home from mid-pack to win the silver medal, and given another 5 meters would have claimed the gold. This was proof again that without pressure, expectations and just having fun, athletes can run exceptionally fast. And this is what he did and why it is in my favorites.
3.Brett Laktos, t53 800m, as sprinters, we sometimes fail to really understand the tactics in a middle distance race, I am sure they are worthwhile and valuable, but Brett through the tactics out the window, he knew how fast he could go and when the gun went he put the head down and hit the splits he knew he could do, reminded me of the way David Rudusiha races, if you want to beat me you have to run fast and keep up, Brett blew away the field in the first 200m, and maintained the lead all the way till the end, was awesome to watch.
4.Arnu Fourie’s silver in the t44 100m, don’t get me wrong, Richard Browne running that fast was incredible. But Arnu against the odds, with a really thought couple of years, was able to put a really good race together and break the 11 second barrier for the first time, it is a testament to his character and his dedication to being the best he can possibly be. I really love it when someone as genuine as he is, is reward with the success they deserve.
5.The Australian team, I have been apart of 4 athletics teams over the years, and this one was the best one I have been in. there was a good mix of youth and experience, the atmosphere around the team was super positive, there was just great unity within the team, and it really was a pleasure to be a part of. It is exciting time to be an Australian Paralympian and with a successful championship and with some experience to come back into the team, another 300 days of training, with the unity of this team, we are looking fantastic leading into Rio.
