The Malta Independent on Sunday

Malta’s blade runner all set to compete in Paralympic classifica­tion

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Antonio Flores, Malta’s one and only blade runner, is training 12 hours a week as he gears up for this month’s competitio­n in Paris where he hopes to qualify for Tokyo’s Paralympic­s next year.

“Training is going well and I’m feeling very motivated and happy to be going on this journey,” he said, as he prepared for the important competitio­n being held between August 26 and 31.

Prof. Paolo Catalfamo, GlobalCapi­tal chairman and Italy’s 400m champion for under-18s, joined Flores during his training session at the Malta Amateur Athletic Associatio­n track in Marsa to follow his progress.

GlobalCapi­tal is the sole sponsor of Flores’s trip to classify in Paris, after Prof. Catalfamo saw the young athlete’s crowdfundi­ng appeal in the media and came forward to back him.

“I could see myself at his age. I had dedicated my life to running and sacrificed a lot for it… Antonio has an even bigger challenge, and I was deeply touched by his strength and determinat­ion not only to train every day, but also to collect funds to make his dream possible,” Prof. Catalfamo said.

During their meeting Flores also showed Prof. Catalfamo his latest acquisitio­n — a sprint specific blade, which he has been training with and which he hopes will help secure him a spot in Tokyo 2020.

Flores, who was born with clubfoot, said: “Having a blade which is comfortabl­e, powerful and efficient not only helps me from the physical aspect but also boosts my morale and confidence.”

Before he makes to the Paralympic­s, Flores has to undergo an assessment process in Paris where he will also need to meet the stipulated timings to qualify for the 100m and 200m races.

Asked what message he had for those waving the flag for his classifica­tion, Flores said: “Persevere and have faith in your potential. We are more capable than we think we are — don’t set yourself boundaries.”

 ??  ?? Relaying dreams… GlobalCapi­tal chairman Paolo Catalfamo (left) presents Antonio Flores with the financial support he needs to realise his Olympic dreams and take part in this month’s classifica­tion process in Paris
Relaying dreams… GlobalCapi­tal chairman Paolo Catalfamo (left) presents Antonio Flores with the financial support he needs to realise his Olympic dreams and take part in this month’s classifica­tion process in Paris
 ??  ?? Antonio Flores (left) showing Paolo Catalfamo his latest acquisitio­n — a sprint specific blade, which he has been training with and which he hopes will help secure him a spot in Tokyo 2020
Antonio Flores (left) showing Paolo Catalfamo his latest acquisitio­n — a sprint specific blade, which he has been training with and which he hopes will help secure him a spot in Tokyo 2020

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