danny crates

After all the upsets of Beijing 2008, I decided that was no way to finish a 10yr career.  So off I went again, to battle the highs and lows of winter training.  Pounding the streets in the pouring rain and running on the mud soaked grass.  Oh the joys!!!!

The injuries and troubles of Beijing were now behind me; well almost I still felt pain in my right Achilles every time I ran.  This alone was making the winter training tough going, both physically and mentally.

March brought the much-needed warm weather trip to San Diego. Training was finally coming together, and keep it to yourself, but I think the Achilles was starting to settle down.  I was now feeling confident about the forth-coming season and the fast approaching Paralympic World Cup.

Preparation was going very well, until 4weeks pre race, I sustained a grade one tear to my left hamstring.  Frustrating would be an understatement.  But as always, I took the optimistic approach.  Still 4weeks to go.  After 2 1/2weeks I was back into full training, with a quick 4 days out recovering from a bug my wonderful son picked up and lovingly shared with me, and the family, great!!!

I decided to race just 4 days prior to the world cup.  I felt I needed to get some rust out of the legs.  A good job too.  That was the slowest 800m I have ever run.

Sunday 25th May finally arrived.  The Paralympic World Cup was upon us, and here was my chance to prove to the World that I was back.  The apprehension had really started to get to me. The pressure I was feeling to once again lead the field in 800m running.  This was not helped by the last 4 weeks training.

As the race approached I had calmed myself with the knowledge that I had achieved in my sport and this was only the beginning of the comeback.  This enabled me to relax a bit.  I even shared a laugh in the moments before the race with the current World Record holder.  Something I would never have contemplated in races past.  All that said though. Once I put on the GB vest I had only one intention, TO WIN.

This race was even more special to me, my son Henry was there to see me race for the very first time.

Danny Crates Paralympic World Cup 09

As the gun went I suddenly felt at home, back racing.  At the bell I felt comfortable and found myself working through the pack. As we approached 600m I was leading the current Paralympic champ and poised to attack the race leader.  When suddenly I felt some twinges in my left hamstring.  Within 10m it was over.  I had stepped off of the track in pain. As an athlete that is the lowest feeling, sitting on the edge of the track, watching the race conclude without me.  This was the only race I have failed to finish in 10yrs.

I was scanned on the Tuesday and it was revealed I know had a 5cm grade two tear to my hamstring.  4-6weeks rehab.

So what now? Same as always, stay positive, do the rehab (well most of it) and get back out on the track.

See you in 4 weeks!!!!!

“I know a thing or two about struggling through tough times and coming out the other side, fitter, leaner and more ready to face the world. The attitude I’ve developed, things I’ve learnt and people I’ve met along the way have strengthened my resolve and given me a greater perspective, not only on my life but on how I can inspire others , from business leaders to front line police officers, school children and sales teams.

1. Blog - build a blog, it grows your positioning online , helps you get found by search engines and puts a face and a voice to your online presence. My blog is my face to the world, it lets me keep my fans up to date on my sporting achievements and gives me a platform for direct 1-1 communication with them .
2. Use virtual Networks, use YouTube , Flickr, Facebook, LinkedIn and others to extend the reach of your audience. The tools and networks are free you just need to make use of them. I’m listed on all these and it extends my reach to my fan base and clients as well as enabling me to deliver my messages in a number of different mediums from photography to video.
3. Motivate your staff. In these tough times it’s inevitable that businesses end up laying off employees. This can create low morale in the workplace which further adds to the stress on the bottom line. Letting your remaining staff know that they are valued and key to the success of the company is imperative. Getting them inspired and motivated is the key.
4. Cultivate your clients. It’s easier to sell to existing clients than go out and find new ones. A large percentage of my business comes from referrals and repeat business as clients who have heard me speak once often refer me to colleagues and partner organisations. So go through your address book and contact your current clients, as they may not be aware of your latest products and offerings.
5. Diversify your product range. Take a look at what your current offer is and see how you can expand on that - I have gone from being a professional athlete and used that experience to motivate and inspire though speaking, hosting and now most recently I’ve diversified into heading up sports and community programs throughout the region.
6. Increase your smart marketing. Don’t cut back - it’s the opposite of what you think you should be doing but its the perfect time to negotiate , everyones cutting back so you can probably double your media presence for the same costs. But make sure you’re using smart channels .The web’s where it’s at for most businesses these days so target your channels to those where you get the most “bang for your buck”.
7. Network - You’re using your virtual networks (Facebook, linked in etc.) but get out there, get in touch with old acquaintances and make new connections. You never know where it will lead.
8. Provide outstanding customer service - these are the times to not forget your existing clients, make them feel remembered, they may be struggling as much as you so let them know you’re thinking about them and go that extra mile…(or 800m in my case !)
9. Don’t Panic - Things are bad, but the media tends to exaggerate the extent of a downturn. No one who has championed in business and sport has had an easy ride !
10. Get Fit - In times of recession people tend to cut down on snacks and treats and maintain a healthier lifestyle. So now’s the perfect time to not only tighten your financial belt but your physical one as well ; and you’ll feel much better for it !

Since returning from South Africa in February, I could safely say that Feb. and March was a period of highs and lows, or to steal a much over used phrase, a roller coaster of emotions.

Click here to read on

On April 6th Danny carried the torch along the river at Greenwich before handing over to Theo Walcott.

It was a great honor, to help the flame on its journey to the Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing. As an athlete the flame represents every thing about the games. When they light the cauldron at the opening ceremony, you know the games have begun, and that’s when the nerves really start to get to you.

It was a real shame that every thing that is good about the relay was overshadowed by the demonstrations, not the 99% that demonstrated peacefully, but as always that 1% you always get, that are out there to cause disruption. I am sure there were thousands of families who chose not to go due to the threat of trouble, my wife and 6month old son being among those who sadly thought it would be safer to stay at home. And for those who did brave the cold, they did not get to see the torch as up close and personal as they would have desired and deserved. You see the flame represents every thing that is good about the games; it does not represent the country that hosts it. The Olympics is the friendly games, where athletes come together to compete with no political agendas.

For a track and field athlete the winter months are long and tough. Double training sessions in the coldest and wettest conditions.

That’s why January can never come around quick enough. The first of the warm weather training camps. This year we are in Potchefstroom, about 1 1/2 hrs from Johannesburg, South Africa. Potch is about 1400m above see level. Which means that when you first arrive it is tough. The air is thinner so we have to take it easy over the first few days until we acclimatize to the conditions.

click here to read more on South Africa and what is the first installment of my journey to Beijing