Newyddion

04/09/2024 00:00, I Mewn Blog /

Harrison Walsh makes his Paralympic Games debut in Paris competing in the F64 Discus on Thursday 5 September at 18:04pm.

Formerly a Welsh U18 international and development player with the Ospreys, Walsh turned to para-athletics in 2017 following a long period of rehab from a life-changing knee injury.

In 2019, Harrison set a new F44 world shot put record of 15.73m at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Grosseto, Italy. This was followed by a superb performance in Poland at the 2021 European Championships where he took home a bronze medal.

After missing out on the Tokyo Paralympics due to an ankle injury, Walsh delivered a solid performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games where he secured another bronze medal. He followed this up earlier this year at the Kobe World Para Athletics Championships with a bronze medal. He now hopes to deliver another podium performance at the Paris Paralympic Games.

Harrison celebrating his bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

We hear from Harrison ahead of the Games:

How has your year gone in the lead up to Paris?

I have been in a really good place this year with training, a PB and a good environment. 

What does sport mean to you personally and what impact has had on your life?

Sport is my vehicle for seeing progression and it allows me to see progression in other areas of my life.

 

Sport has always been something that I can see I can get better at and see that I enjoy it and be completely objective and present in the moment in those situations.

 

It is also something that when I was in school maybe I wasn't as good at English and maths but I could go and do sport and if I worked hard I could get better and that influenced a lot of other things in my life.

 

From sport, I have learnt a lot.

What have you learnt from rugby that has helped with your professional athletics career?

The one thing rugby did give me is a level head when it comes to injury because it happens a lot. There is not really ever a time when you are 100% in rugby. It's something I really got a benefit from and It helped me bounce back from the injury in Tokyo to deliver and get a bronze medal at the Commies.

What are you most proud of?

The thing I am most proud of in sport is taking up the opportunity when it presented itself. Not being scared, putting fear in the back seat and just going for it.

Do you have much support going to Paris?

Yes, I do and I think you will be able to see and hear Swansea and the mumbles from Paris!

What is your advice to inspire the next generation of para athletes?

The best piece of advice I would give is be open to the opportunities.

Do you have any hobbies outside of athletics?

I have always loved sketching and I was that child who would bring the drawing book into school when you were allowed to bring something in.  I would spend hours on my own in a book and drawing out of it.

 

I also love drawing where I am, so whenever I am away on a trip or competition I like to draw something that will remind me of that time.

We would like to wish Harrison a big good luck for Thursday. Tune in on Channel 4 at 18:04pm.