Rio Paralympics: Ben Rowlings defies doctors’ predictions as he prepares to represent Team GB in Rio
Track and field Paralympian has big medal hopes as he looks ahead to the Games next month
BEN ROWLINGS will represent Team GB next month at the Paralympic Games in Rio even though doctors had once predicted he would never walk, sit up or even talk properly.
The 20-year old wheelchair sprinter had suffered complications when born prematurely which led to him developing cerebral palsy.
'Big Ben' recognises the role of his parents in pushing him to prove doctors wrong and give himself the opportunity to be where he is today.
Rowlings was one of many to be inspired by the Games in London four years ago and this inspiration was enough to fire him towards competing in the Paralympics next month.
He said: "London really opened my eyes to what Paralympic sport could be.
"I'd dabbled in swimming and other sports but I went down and watched Hannah Cockroft and other athletes because I'd just started racing.
"It gave me the kick up the backside to go... alright, I can do this.
"Rio was only four years away but if I put in the graft then I can get there."
Rowling's obsession with sport and competition began early and he was a keen rugby fan at a young age.
Ben took part in a programme called 'Playground to Podium', which would see him take up swimming in which he competed at a national level between ages 11 and 15.
Very few people at the time would have believed that young Rowlings would one day actually be a strong favourite to be on the podium at a Paralympic Games.
In 2015, Rowlings broke the British record for the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m races and is the current British No. 1.
Earlier this year Rowlings also picked up three bronze medals at the European Championships in Italy.
And he will now represent Team GB in the T34 classification races in Rio with big hopes of adding to his medal collection.
He said: "I've been able to train two to three times a day, six days a week, I get the miles in on the track and do the big weights in the gym.
"I'm making sure my bodies in the best way possible leading into any competition whether it's for the Paralympic games, the European Championships or just a meet in the UK.
He added: "I've done everything I can, and now I've done everything in training and racing to make sure I'm on that podium.
"Just being able to call yourself a Paralympian and being able to be in the village and rub shoulders with some of the best athletes - that is something that drives me everyday."
Rowlings is clearly taking this opportunity very seriously and will hope to return home to the UK with a few more medals hanging from his neck.