Sophia Warner, Hove

How did you get started?

As an athlete with cerebral palsy, I came into the sport somewhat late. I won an international championship gold medal in the 100m in 1998 but then had a break from the sport. What with my starting a family and the commitments of a full-time job, I didn’t have much time to devote myself to athletics until the last three or four years, when I joined Worthing & District Harriers.  I won silver and bronze at the World Championships, in 2011 setting a new European record in the process. I have now taken a sabbatical from work to concentrate wholly on training. I’m on a mission to educate people about cerebral palsy. The Paralympics has given people like ma a voice for the first time. I have seized the opportunity to talk to anyone who will listen about my experiences as a CP athlete.

Greatest sporting achievements

2011 SILVER IPC World Championships  
2011 BRONZE IPC World Championships
2011 European Record - 100m
2010 BRONZE London Disability Challenge
2010 GOLD London Disability Challenge
1998 GOLD IPC World Championships

Prospects for 2012/2016

Strong medal contender in both her events at London 2012 – T35 100m and 200m – in what could be her only chance for Paralympic honours. Both of Sophia's events will now be run as straight finals. Women's 200m T35: 31 August, Final 8:48pm and Women's 100m T35: Friday 7 September. Final 8:55pm.

Those who bought tickets for the morning qualfying sessions on either day in order to watch Sophia can offer their tickets for resale here: www.tickets.london2012.com/about_resale.html

www.london2012.com/paralympics/athletics/schedule-and-results/

Read Sophia’s blog for Active Sussex here

Twitter @sprintingsophia