My best and worst moments with Poland’s Michal Derus

This week Poland’s world and European sprint champion Michal Derus reveals the Best & Worst Moments of his para-athletics career.

The 25-year-old made his senior international debut at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships, winning 100m gold in a championship record time, and 200m silver (T46) with a new European record.

It was a pivotal moment for Derus, who competes in the T47 class, in more ways than one. Here he reflects on the persistence and determination that led him to succeed – and continue to succeed – on the world stage.

My worst moment:

It was three months before the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008. I did not comply with the Minimal Disability Criteria and was not eligible to compete within the sport of IPC Athletics. I was very disappointed because I could only compete among able-bodied athletes.

It was only in 2013 after the change in rules, I managed to successfully pass medical classifications. During those five years there were many times when I wanted to quit my sports career. Fortunately, I survived this difficult period in my life - and it was worth it.

Thanks to that, I have learned it is worth pursuing a defined goal and never giving up.

My best moment:

It was at the IPC Athletics World Championship in Lyon, France, in 2013, less than two months after the successful medical classification, where I won two medals. They were my first big championships in the international arena. Additionally, it was an amazingly successful debut. That success gave me a boost and motivated me to work even harder.

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The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

Residents of Brazil can buy 2016 Paralympics tickets directly from the Rio 2016 website.