James Turner

Australian James Turner has shown terrific form at the last two major global events – Rio 2016 and London 2017 - having only taken up Para athletics in 2015.

A former Para football player, he switched to Para athletics after the Australian national Para football seven-a-side team failed to qualify for Rio 2016.

At the Rio Paralympic Games he raced to gold in the 800m T36 after setting a terrific pace from the gun, crossing the line in world record time (2:02.39). He was subsequently awarded the Medal of Order of Australia in recognition of his success.

Less than 12 months later at the 2017 World Championships in London, Great Britain, Turner was at it again – but never mind one title, the Wollongong athlete claimed a hat trick of gold medals with wins in the 200m, 400m and 800m T36, dominating every race.

Having broken the 200m T36 world record in the heats, clocking 24.15, Turner went back out 24 hours later and knocked a further 0.06 off his best.