Paralympic medallist’s advice to athletes
The London 2012 Paralympics begin in just over two years and Paralympic medallist Liz Johnson tells Channel 4 News that people who want to take part need to focus on their long-term ambitions.
Liz Johnson, who has cerebral palsy, has taken part in two Paralympic Games and said the high point of her career so far was when she won a gold medal in Beijing in 2008.
Although she now wants to win in London, telling Channel 4 News that potential athletes have to stay focused on their goals and put themselves first: “You get better at that as you get older. When you are young, you try to be nice to everyone and you are very accommodating. As you get older, you still get on with everyone and you are friends, but ultimately you have to make the decisions which are best for you.
“In swimming we are quite lucky because in team sports they are all fighting for one position. I think they are all good friends though; they train together such a lot. We all go to other competitions together, so you build up camaraderie. You are disappointed for your friends if they do not get through.
“I would tell people that if they want to succeed they have to keep focusing on their dream. Sometimes it is really hard, especially when the games are so far off. There will be bumps on the road, difficult decisions to make. You have to keep thinking about your long-term goal and that helps to keep everything in perspective.
“The lowest point in my career was when I was 14. I had qualified for the Paralympics in Sydney, but then my qualification was changed and I lost my place on the team. You have to take the disappointments and use them to fuel your ambition. At the time, it is the hardest thing in the world.
“You do not know how you are going to get through. That sort of experience helps you later though. If you remember how bad you felt when you missed an opportunity, it gives you the motivation to carry on.
“The Paralympics in London in 2012 seem quite close now. It is only two years away so is close enough to be exciting, but you still have enough time to make changes to your performance and improve. My ultimate long-term goal is to win in London. Not many athletes get the chance to win in their home country. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I am doing five or six hours of training a day now, although Sundays are my days off. It is important to work hard and train, but you also need to give yourself time to chill out and relax. You have to have your down time, otherwise you get too intense. Sometimes, it is the best thing to see people who are not a part of the athletic world. They help you put things in perspective. It is great having friends who are athletes too as they understand what you are going through, but people from outside keep you rounded.
“My advice to any potential athletes would be to take everything as an opportunity. Even if things do not pan out as you want them to at the time, use them to focus on your long-term goals.”