Parathlete Sammi Kinghorn prepares for Commonwealth Games
Gold Coast 2018 is going for gold in its quest to deliver an inclusive Games and will proudly host the largest integrated para-sport programme in Commonwealth Games history. One of those athletes taking part will be double World Champion wheelchair athlete and Scottish Sports Personality of the Year 2017, Sammi Kinghorn.
Sammi, 22, is an established name in wheelchair athletics. She competed in Rio 2016, broke the world record for the 200m sprint, and became World Champion for both the 100m and 200m sprints. Now she is preparing to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast, with the aim to make it to the 1500m final.
Sammi started wheelchair racing after an accident that left her paralysed below the waist at 14 years old. Whilst recovering, her physiotherapist recognised Sammi’s athletic abilities and encouraged her to try out some sports. Sammi said:
“I tried lots of sports at the Spinal Unit Games at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and I discovered wheelchair racing, and immediately, that was me hooked.”
In preparation for the games, Sammi has been training full-time- twice a day, six days a week:
“I’ve been mixing up gym work, track and rollers, and pushing on the road near Glasgow where I live. Everything has gone really well, and I’m happy with my placings for the Commonwealth.
“I still struggle when I am called “inspirational”. It is sport at the end of the day and I am chasing the same goals and dreams as those on the Olympic side!”.
Sammi will be competing for Team Scotland in the 1500m and Marathon race at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia in April. To follow Sammi’s journey, and read the full interview visit.
Athletics, swimming, lawn bowls, powerlifting, track cycling, table tennis and triathlon will all be contested during the 4–15 April 2018 event. Visit the Games' website here.
