"God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure."
IPC Athletics Lyon
1236 athletes from 89 countries are taking part in the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon. Team GB is 49 athletes and USA 80 but there are 30 countries with 3 or less athletes. The important statistic is that there are 220 journalists from 25 countries.I read a quote from Alan Oliveira, the winner of the 100 in London (amputee), the Brazilian with the longer blades, who beat Pistorious. “I thank God that I have no legs. If I had legs I would be labouring on a farm in Brazil”. That raises an interesting perspective that I have heard before – how disability can improve quality of life – a real paradox.
Stuart is in a familiar role of journalist - mainly for 2K+ radio - and support and encouragement of athletes. A real bonus is the presence of Steve Jones, a Baptist minister from Swansea and chaplain to the Ospreys is here. He is a French speaker and has volunteered as an interpreter. He is the interpreter for Team GB. We try to meet most days.
The diversity of disability athletics is amazing - wheelchair, cerebral palsy, amputee, visually impaired. I watched a blind long jump event. The coach lines the jumper up then goes and stands in front of the pit and shouts. The blind jumper runs in the direction of the shouts and jumps. Some coaches shout “straight, left, left, right etc.” Amazing.
The following photos will give you a flavour of the event:
View from my seat
Getting to the seat is a mission
"Just balance on the ledge, avoid hitting your head on the metal poles, step down half a metre and you are there".
The strong sunshine is a challenge but the high-tech BBC team has cracked it!
Libby Clegg and guide Mikail finish the race
I was lucky to survive
Medal ceremony
Brent Lakatos with his gold medal
Interviewing gold-medallist, Jarryd Wallace
The Media Centre, the hottest place on earth!