We had the awesome Tim Prendergast at school this morning

We had the awesome Tim Prendergast at school this morning. This was Tims second visit - I think we have adopted him as our own and hope that he wins the Paralympic 1500 gold in London 2012. It's great to meet such a decent, likeable and humble guy who always finds time to talk to everyone. I've added the Sport England bio of Tim below.

Tim Prendergast

‘Make your dreams more than a vision’.

Sport

Paralympian - runner

Favourite quote

‘Make your dreams more than a vision’.

Biography

I have been into sport from a young age. At eight years of age I started losing 95% of my vision and sports like cricket and football became difficult. I discovered that running was a sport I could still participate in and despite finishing last in my first competitive race I picked myself up, trained hard and progressed in my running career to the point of representing my home country, New Zealand at three Paralympic Games.

Who is your role model?

Roger Banister - the first man to break four minutes for the mile.

Who was your biggest influence?

My parents when I was young always drove me to training races and would come and watch me at the big events. My training partner Ben Ruthe who is a huge inspiration and motivating influence. My coach who has been my coach for 16 years and all the inspirational athletes I have met throughout my career.

What is your proudest moment?

Winning Gold at the Athens Paralympic Games. The Gold in Athens came after a rough first race in the 1500 metres. I was so satisfied to bounce back and win the Gold after that disappointment. Proudest moment ever!!

What is your tip for young people wanting to take part in sport?

Enjoy your sport first and foremost.

What is your favourite food?

Steak.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Once of the best pieces of advice I have been given was someone once told me that ‘limits are in the mind of those that set them’. I take this on board with my training and racing and know that I can strive to be the best and if I don’t achieve my dream I know I haven’t put barriers up to prevent this from happening, rather I have given it everything.

Competitive results

• Team captain at Beijing Paralympics 2008.
• Gold/Silver World Blind Games 2007.
• IPC World Athletics Champs 2 Silvers 2006.
• IPC World Indoor Champs Gold 2006.
• Athens Paralympics Gold 2004.
• Sydney Paralympics 2 Silvers 2000.