Crates fit to defend 800m title

Crates is hopeful of more success in Beijing

Paralympian Danny Crates has confirmed he will be fit to defend his T46 800m title in Beijing next month.

The 35-year-old Londoner had suffered with a series of injuries recently and only returned to the track in March.

He told BBC London 94.9: "I'm going from strength to strength. My body seems to like the 'pushing it hard' way of doing things.

"I'm not quite where I want to be for this time of the year, but I can't change that."

After thinking that his Paralympic dream was over, Crates is delighted to be in contention.

"All I can do is keep working hard and improving."

Watching the Olympics on the television in between training has spurred the athlete on.

"It really wants to make you be there, which is good because I've had a tough year, mentally up and down. The performances that the athletes are putting in in amazing. I think we've got a really tough and hard act to follow."