Top 5 Qualify (Top 3, and 2 fastest from both heats)
3.52.83 Diane Roy, 43 (CAN)
3.53.07 Christie Dawes, 34 (AUS)
3.53.37 Jade Jones, 18, (ENG)
3.58.78 Meggan Dawson-Farrell,21, (SCO)
4.21.24 Anita Fordjour, 32 (GHA) (SB)
4.21.58 Bernice Frimpong, 32 (GHA) (PB)
5.01.89 Caroline Wanjira, 24 (KEN) (PB)
England’s Jade Jones and Scotlands Meggan Dawson-Farrell managed to secure a place in the 1500m T54 final. Jade, straight out, Meggan from being one of the fastest not to place.
Diane ROY (CAN)
On the performance:
“It went good. I feel it went very fast. We only have two races, so the feeling was good.”
On preparations for Thursday’s final:
“We have two days, which is good, as long as I can push myself for the final.”
Meggan DAWSON-FARRELL (SCO)
On her performance:
“I did better than I thought it would be. I was trying to get them to come with me around 600m, but I’m happy I made it to the end in one piece.”
About the athletes…
Meggan Dawson-Farrell,21, (SCO)
Classification
T54
Type of Impairment
Spinal Cord Injuries
Start of sporting career
In mid-2009 she attended a ‘Come and Try’ weekend in Largs, Scotland, with a spina bifida association.
Ambitions
To compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. “Beyond that I would hope that my hard work and dedication would put me on the right track for the 2016 Paralympic Games and beyond.” She also wants to get involved mentoring young athletes with impairments.
Hero
“I admire Heinz Frei [Swiss wheelchair athlete.] He is still putting out some amazing races in his tender years of 50-something.”
Most influential person in career
Her parents.
Sporting philosophy / motto
“I have some issues because of my impairment but I get on with it because it’s all I’ve ever known. I live my life.”
General
PERSONAL ROLLER SYSTEM
She trains on a home made roller system, similar to a treadmill. Her father John, a steel fabricator, designed and built it for her.
Jade Jones, 18, (ENG)
Classification
T54
Origin of Impairment
Congenital – Illness
Impairment Details
She has focal femur deficiency which meant she was born without the top half of her right leg. Her foot was amputated in 2006.
Start of sporting career
She began the sport in 2008 at a school sports meeting.
Reason for taking up this sport
She met Tanni Grey-Thompson and Ian Thompson at a school sports meeting and they encouraged her to try the sport.
Hero
British Paralympians Tanni Grey-Thompson and Chantal Petitclerc.
Most influential person in career
British Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson.
Sporting philosophy / motto
“When I’m racing, it’s a real adrenaline rush at the beginning. Then it’s all about using strength and technique.”
