THIS Friday marks the start of the 12th Paralympic Games in Athens - and one Bromsgrove sprinter has his sights set on gold.
Richard White, aged 22, will compete in the 100-metres and 200m at the event, aiming to improve on the bronze medals he won his both events in Sydney four years ago.
The Wildmoor Lane resident, part of Great Britian's 166-strong team, underlined his intentions for gold by beating friend and main rival Lloyd Upsdell, reigning 100m and 200m champion, at a training camp in Cyprus earlier this year.
Richard, who has cerebral palsy, is also the current European silver medallist over 100m and bronze over 200m.
He has spent time in Cyprus preparing for the games and begins his quest in the Olympic Stadium from Sunday.
The Paralympic team won 131 medals in Sydney, coming second only to hosts Australia.
Around 4,000 athletes from 145 countries will compete at Athens 2004.
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