SMALL Andrew

Classification
T33 (IPC, 24 Feb 2021)

Impairment Details
His impairment is the result of nerve damage that affects him both neurologically and physically. He weighed around 620 grams at birth. (thedabber.co.uk, 06 Mar 2013; davidrandles.com, 15 Jun 2020)

General
LONDON EFFECT
He believes the 2012 Paralympic Games in London were a turning point for Para sport both in Great Britain and elsewhere, particularly in terms of exposure and media coverage. "It was definitely a watershed moment for us at least, and it probably is for the [other] host countries. From being vaguely aware of it, it's suddenly shoved in your face, full-on exposure. You can't escape it. That's been a turning point. Since then we've gone from strength to strength. We [Great Britain] are now the example of how to cover our events. From broadcasting to print media and so on, other countries are looking to us and realising they can step up their game. I think we are very much in a four-stage process. The first step was London. We're in the second stage now [2020]. By the end of my career, I'd like to see it more equal [to the Olympic Games coverage], not as niche but more accessible and available for people who need it. When I was younger, you didn't know [about Para athletics]. If you were in the bubble you knew about it. If you weren't you didn't. I would have liked to have found it sooner. But I found it when I did and I'm giving it a good go." (davidrandles.com, 15 Jun 2020)