Grassroots Games 2016: Athletics
The Paralympics is under way in Brazil, and the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is focusing on the sports that you will see, hear or read about over the next two weeks.
With 22 different disciplines on show in Rio 2016, EFDS takes a look at grassroots participation back here in Britain.
Today it’s Athletics, with Anya Waugh telling us about upper body strength, nerves and having a competitive spirit.
I’ve been racing in my wheelchair for nearly three years.
I first got into the sport at a ParalympicsGB Sports Fest in Sheffield, where I tried out loads of different sports.
When I tried wheelchair racing the woman running it also had Hannah Cockroft with her.
I gave it a go – I’d seen it on the TV during the 2012 Paralympics and thought I should give it a go. I loved it, and soon I was doing it at my local athletics club.
When I compete in an event I feel nervous, and it’s competitive.
On the track I’m quite a competitive person. I want to be a Paralympian, and currently I race for Stockport Harriers.
During the middle of a 400m, halfway round, I feel really tired!
But I make myself finish, keep going, trying really hard. I’ve been coached not to look round at other racers because it can be distracting.
I’ve got a strong finish in the last 100m.
I’m strong generally, I think because I push my own chair around. Sport is a great hobby for your spare time, and it keeps you fit.
