‘I don’t care how many legs you have, I’ll still beat you!’ – 10 inspirational quotes from para-athletes
With 300 days to go until the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, get in the mood with the athletes who refuse to give up
They did it in Doha, now the world’s top para-athletes will turn their focus to Rio (Getty Images)
In exactly 300 days’ time, the first Paralympic Games to be staged in South America will begin in Rio de Janeiro. To celebrate, we’re sharing 10 of the best quotes from competitors at the recent IPC World Athletics Championships – check them out and get inspired!
Join in with our 300 Days To Go celebrations on Facebook and Twitter.
1. From hospital bed to top of the podium
Photo: Getty Images/Warren Little
“Everything happens for a reason, I was leading in the 5000m race but unfortunately I fell down and woke up in hospital. God has his reasons for everything and thankfully this is my redemption.”
Brazil’s Odair Santos on winning 1500m gold days after collapsing in the 5000m
2. Smells like teen spirit
Photo: Getty Images/Warren Little
“My ability is greater than my disability.”
Australia’s 14-year-old Isis Holt after winning 200m gold with a world record
3. The power of self belief
Photo: Getty Images/Francois Nel
“When you have determination to conquer like me, then you can do anything.”
Ireland’s Michael McKillop was happy to retain his 800m and 1500m world titles
4. Darling blue eyes
Photo: Getty Images/Warren Little
“I have so much energy inside and honestly for this competition my competitors gave me the right energy to win gold. I get my energy from my family and the blue eyes of my daughter. They help me keep on training. I’m training in Valencia next and full of positive energy ahead of Rio!”
Spain’s discus F11 gold medallist David Casinos Sierra
5. If at first you don’t succeed...
Photo: Getty Images/Jonne Roriz
“This is a really emotional moment for me right now, because I almost didn’t make it here. I had trouble with my passport leaving Brazil, and only boarded the plane on the third try. I really wanted to break the world record, but I am really happy with my gold.”
Brazil’s Silvania Costa De Oliveira on winning long jump T11 gold
6. Bring it on
Photo: Getty Images/Francois Nel
“I don't care how many legs you have – one, two, four, six – I'll still beat you!”
The USA’s Richard Browne after completing the T44 sprint double
7. Top of the class
Photo: Getty Images/Francois Nel
“I’ve only missed a week of school to be here, but I’m sure they won’t mind when I come home with a medal!”
Ireland’s 16 year-old discus F38 silver medallist Noelle Lenihan
8. Move over Neymar
Photo: Getty Images/Marcio Rodrigues/MPIX/CPB
“I’m feeling so important, like Neymar. I got the silver and broke the Brazilian record so it’s amazing. Now it’s on to the world record in Rio.”
Brazil’s Kelly Peixoto after winning shot put F41 silver
9. A new idol
Photo: Getty Images/Warren Little
“I hope to see Terezinha [Guilhermina] on the track again in Rio. She’s my role model and someone I have looked up to for years.”
China’s Cuiqing Liu, who won all three of Guilhermina’s world titles in the T11 class
10. Dream big
Photo: melnicholls.co.uk
“It’s beyond amazing, my motto is dream big – and that’s exactly what I did. It’s such a strong field, but I got the silver medal which is amazing! I guess my performance was fitting with the Doha 2015 slogan, because this was beyond incredible!”
Mel Nicholls after Great Britain perform a sweep of the 800m T34 podium
Overseas fans who want to buy tickets for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games should enter into contact with their authorised ticket reseller, while Brazilian residents can buy tickets from in Decemeber on the ticket portal.
