Getting ready to race

2008-09-04T15:15:00Z

Singapore Paralympian Eric Ting gears up for his race in Beijing.

Eric Ting, 36, is a quadraplegic and is representing Singapore in wheelchair racing in the Beijing Games which kick off this Saturday. He is Singapore's only track and field athlete and is competing in the 400 metre race. His minder told The Straits Times that his blog entry may be short but it took him great time and effort as his hands and fingers are not as long or as dexterous due to his condition.

In Beijing

IT HAS been three days since my arrival now and I have settled into the life here at the Paralympics Village. The facilities and provisions have all been fantastic. I'm also very impressed by the organisation. I have finally seen the "Bird's Nest" and the "Water Cube" after watching events at these venues on TV so many times.

Wheelchair racer Eric Ting, 36, an ex-commando
who became paraplegic after a car accident, works
out in the Paralympics Village gym 4 Sept. He will
be Singapore's sole representative on the track
at the Beijing Paralympics, racing in the 400m
next week. ST Photo: Sim Chi Yin

Eric works out in the Paralympics Village gym with the
help of his coach Ann Mahakeeta. ST Photo: Sim Chi Yin

With his stiff fingers, Eric takes a while to find the right
grip on the weights machines. ST Photo: Sim Chi Yin

I'm still recovering from my flu and just started full training today. It's pretty frustrating not feeling 100 per cent physically but hopefully I'll feel better as the days go by. It'll be another week or so before my event.

It's my first Paralympics and I really hope I'll enjoy the whole experience.

Find out more about Singapore's Paralympics representatives and you can catch them in action next week.

The Straits Times Blogs - Eric Ting

Getting ready to race