Paralympian Derek Rae steps up training regime ahead of Tokyo

Fife para-athlete Derek Rae is stepping up his preparations for this year’s Paralympic Games.

With just six months to go to the Tokyo event, the Kirkcaldy marathon runner is one of the favourites to win and says he is determined to arrive in the best shape of his life.

The World Championships silver medallist was one of 46 athletes to be offered membership to the Paralympic World Class Programme (WCP) for 2020 and is one of the highest ranked in his classification.

Derek, a member of Fife Athletics Club, has just returned from Iten in Kenya, where he trained at 8,000 feet.

Richard Brickley, chairman of Disability Sport Fife, said the athlete would soon be heading to Flagstaff in Arizona for a second year and that further warm weather training was scheduled after that.

He added that despite his busy schedule, Derek still found time to help others.

“An altitude tent has become a regular feature of home life and the magnificent chamber at Napier University provides Derek with world class heat, humidity and altitude preparation for Japan,” he said.

“Derek being the true professional that he is always finds time when he can to catch up on volunteering duties with Disability Sport Fife at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre.

“On his recent visit to Kenya, he found time to visit a school for children with hearing impairments and, as he often does in Fife, he inspired the youngsters with his stories and warm personality.

“Sport in Fife and beyond has benefited enormously from the arrival of this great Fife athlete as a global star.”