Danny Crates is the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games champion in the 800m, a Bronze medalist at Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and current World Champion. He is very much looking forward to defending his title in Beijing in 2008. His is an inspirational story of real determination in the face of adversity.

Danny, aged 34, started his sporting career playing rugby at both regional and county level. Following an accident in 1994, in which he lost his right arm, he became the only known arm amputee playing club rugby in the country. He then turned his attention to athletics and competed in his first international event in 1998 at the World Championships, where he reached the 400m final and won a silver medal in the 4 x 400m relay event in a new European record time. In 2003, switching to the 800m, Danny won the 2003 World and European Indoor 800m titles. Danny now trains alongside Olympic sprinters, Donna Fraser and Jo Fenn.

“Winning the gold medal in Athens was a fantastic feeling and I am delighted that Atos Origin has agreed to sponsor me through to Beijing 2008, where I hope to defend my 800m title,” said Danny Crates. “The sponsorship from Atos Origin will enable me over the next couple of years to focus on my training, in preparation for the next Paralympic Games.”