Age: 35
Home town: Kirkcaldy, Fife
Sport: Athletics
Events: Marathon
Classification: T46
Name of club: Fife AC/DSF
Coach: Ron Morrison
When and how did you get involved in sport?
I got myself into sport at an early age taking up football at 8/9 years old. I enjoyed playing the game and my friends were playing too.
Career highlights:
My career highlights are:
- Being selected to represent Team GB for my first Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016 was an amazing privilege and afforded me lots of experience. I feel honoured to have been selected for my second Games in Tokyo.
- Finishing in 3rd at VLM 2017 in 2:33.24, which was a new PB. This race helped rebuild my confidence & self belief after not being able to finish the marathon in Rio.
- Finishing 2nd in the World Para Athletics Championship marathon at VLM in 2019 with another new PB of 2:27.08. I was the first athlete to get Team GB on the medal table before the championships concluded in Dubai later in the year.
How many Paralympic Games have you competed in?
Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020
What are your ambitions in Tokyo?
To be competitive and enjoy the experience.
Do you have one bit of advice for an aspiring athlete?
Believe in yourself.
Twitter: derekrae_85
Facebook: Derek Rae
Instagram: Dell_2310