19 May 2010

East Cheshire Harrier Ian Jones, a double bronze medallist in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics over 200m and 400m, is targeting a T44 400m World Record in front of a home crowd in next week’s BT Paralympic World Cup at Sport City, Manchester (25-31 May).

Jones, who has recently returned from a UKA warm weather training camp in Formia, Italy, believes he’s in the best form of his life and is aiming to become the first Paralympian in his classification to clock a mark of sub-50 for the 400m.

“I really want to make it into the record books,” admitted the 2009 silver medalist who has a current best of 51.33. “I’d love to run 49 – hopefully quicker – and I believe I’m in the shape to do that. I got my 100m and 400m PBs at this event a year ago, so it’s a good venue for me. I know the soft track isn’t to everyone’s liking, but it suits me.”

The 20-year-old will race once again over 100m and 400m and will be looking to improve on his podium positions from 12 months ago where he finished third and second respectively.

“I’ve been focusing more on my basic speed over the last few weeks,” he added of his preparation. “I’m obviously targeting qualifying standards for the IPC World Championships in New Zealand next January, and while I should get the 400m time fairly easily, the 100m and 200m will be more of a challenge, although I’m definitely up to the task.”

Jones, alongside a 26-strong Aviva Great Britain & Northern Ireland squad, will be backed up in his efforts by a 200+ contingent of friends and family members who are taking the opportunity to support him in his own back yard. “It’s the best feeling ever to get out and compete with all those guys behind me,” he said, “along with the great facilities and the professional set up, it makes it a really great experience.”

The confirmed Aviva GB & NI team and events are:

David Weir (Jenny Archer): T53/54 800m & 1,500m

Brian Alldis (Tanni Grey-Thompson): T53/54 800m & 1,500m

Mickey Bushell (Fred Periac): T53/54 100m & 200m

Daniel Lucker (Jenny Archer): T53/54 100m & 200m

Benjamin Rushgrove (Rob Ellchuk): T36/37/38 100m & 200m

Graeme Ballard (Steve Thomas): T36/37/38 100m & 200m

Michael Churm: T36/37/38 100m & 200m

Ian Jones (John Dunne): T44 100m & 400m

Johnny Peacock (Hayley Ginn): T44 100m

Richard Whitehead (Liz Yelling): T44 400m

James Ball (John Coia): T11-13 100m & 200m

Paul Willis (Angela Robertshaw): T11-13 100m & 200m

David Devine (Brian Scobie): T11-13 400m

Dan West (Jim Edwards): F33/34/54-57 Discus

Chris Martin (Phil Peat): F33/34/54-57 Discus

Dan Greaves (Jim Edwards): F42/44 Discus

Aled Davies (Anthony Hughes): F42/44 Discus

Stephen Miller (Ros Miller): F32/51 Club (showcase event)

Thomas Green (Ken Green): F32/51 Club (showcase event)

Libby Clegg (Tom Crick): T11/12 100m & 200m

Hazel Robson (Matt Wood): T36/37 100m & 200m

Katrina Hart (Rob Ellchuk): T36/37 100m & 200m

Jenny McLoughlin (Darrell Maynard):T36/37 100m & 200m

Stefanie Reid (Dan Pfaff): T44/46 100m & 200m

Shelly Woods (Pete Wyman): T53/54 800m & 1,500m

Sophie Hancock (Shelley Quarin): F12/13/40 Shot

Victoria Silk (Ted Hawkins): F12/13/40 Shot   

Follow the link to hear more from Ian Jones in a short video clip from the UKA warm weather training camp in Formia, Italy.

For more information visit www.btparalympicworldcup.com

The UKA selection policy for the IPC Athletics World Championships is avaialble now on the UKA website.