Paralympian heads for world champs
NORTHCLIFF - Local paralympian, Andrea Dalle Ave breaks records on his way to the upcoming World Championships.
Paralympian Andrea Dalle Ave (22) is set to take on his own T31 African long-jump record when he represents South Africa at the Doha 2015 IPC (International Paralympic Committee) Athletics World Championships in Qatar, at the end of October.
The Northcliff resident and University of Johannesburg long jumper broke his 2012 London Paralympics record of 6.02m by 3cm at the Nedbank National Championships for the Physically Disabled in April, and set a new continental record.
“That was exactly the confidence boost I needed,” said Dalle Ave, who already has his sights set on next year’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “My last two years have been up and down with injuries, so for us to get that monkey off my back was a huge moment. It was very emotional, one moment I will never forget. So if I can bring all of that into the Doha tournament, we are expecting great things.”
Dalle Ave feels that his preparations for the championships are on track, “For this competition, any colour medal for me will be perfect in my build-up to Rio next year.”
The World Championships take place from 22–31 October.
