Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru
The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (FDSW) is a pan-disability National Governing Body of Sport Which aims to promote and develop quality sports opportunities
UK School Games Victory
ABERGAVENNY wheelchair athlete Dan Lucker added two more gold medals to his growing trophy cabinet at the UK School Games – but admitted victory had left a sour taste in his mouth.
Lucker was given £1,000 as part of the Original Source-funded, UKA Heroes Scheme earlier this year and justified the investment with four gold medals at the IWAS Junior World Championships in Switzerland in July.
And the 16-year-old – who also claimed victory in the Adidas Mini London Marathon earlier this year – added two UK School Games titles to his collection with victory in the 200 and 800m.
But despite dominating proceedings at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium, the Crickhowell High School pupil left disappointed.
“I won but I’m not too happy with the way the 800m went to be honest,” said Lucker. “I was told to sprint after the first 150 metres and I did so and I died out a little bit towards the end when I didn’t have enough strength left in me.
“My shoulders felt a bit tight towards the end. Also, the 200m was a bit slow but I think the track’s to blame for that – it isn’t great.
“For wheelchairs, the track needs to be a bit harder and this is a bit of a soft track. You just don’t get enough momentum from the chairs if that’s the case.”
Lucker took victory in the 800m by a huge margin – his finishing time of 2:04:23minutes over 30 seconds clear of Matthew Hickling in second.
Lucker and Hickling were at it again in the 200m final – this time Lucker’s time of 29.97seconds put him six seconds clear at the finish line.
And despite his disappointment with on-track events – the Fed Disability Sport Wales athlete was quick to label the UK School Games experience as a resounding success.
“I’ve loved mixing with other people here and I’m really enjoying it,” said Lucker.
“This is my last track competition of the year before I start doing road races and I’ve got the time-trial in Newcastle coming up, as well as the Great South Run, which is a 10-mile race.”
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