"Are You Going to Tokyo?"
Now that the new year is here, I am in full-tilt training for Tokyo 2020. The most popular question I get is “Are you going to Tokyo?”. The answer, in short, is that I don’t know yet. Here’s how I get there.
The selection procedure is very similar to the one that was used for World Championships in November. Q wrote a very thorough summary of the Worlds selection process, but I will give everyone a quick summary below.
What’s New?
NEW CHAIR! Just last week, I got my new race chair, funded by the NDIS. I’m still getting used to it and adapting it appropriately, but it’s slightly lighter and rolls straight. I’ve had my old frame since 2011 and over the years, especially when it gets beaten up during travel, it has become bent. You can imagine that the frame being straight is nice for the 100m.
As is tradition with people’s cars and other items of value, some people choose to name their race chairs. I have chosen to name mine Evee (pronounced exactly as you would expect “ee-vee”). Did I name it after a Pokémon? A Disney Channel character? My future child? Who’s to say?
GOING TO CANBERRA. No better way to get in the right mindset and push myself to my best by joining my awesome coach, Fred “Freddy” Periac, and teammates Jake Lappin, Jemima Moore, Angie Ballard, and Sam Carter in Canberra at the AIS. I will leave this week and remain there until after Summer Down Under and ACT State Championships. I will return to Canberra strategically and frequently between now and Tokyo!
Evee in all her glory at the indoor training facility at the AIS in Canberra.
Eligibility for Tokyo
Similar to Worlds, there are two benchmarks for me to consider, an “A” qualifying time and “B” qualifying time. To be considered for selection an athlete needs at least 2 qualifying times (A, B, or a mixture of both). “B” qualifying times are the minimum threshold to be considered for selection and “A” qualifying times are a quicker benchmark that is weighted more for consideration for selection.
For my primary event, the Men’s T52 100m the times are as follows:
“A” Qualifying Time: =< 17.19 seconds
“B” Qualifying Time: =< 17.79 seconds
These times need to be achieved at an international qualifying event within the qualification period. For Tokyo 2020, the qualifying period begins with the 2019 Para Athletics World Championships which were in November and ends when selections are made 13 July 2020 (my 30th birthday!).
Thankfully, my times in semifinals and finals at World Championships both are “B” qualifying times. This means that I have achieved the minimum requirements eligible for selection for the Tokyo 2020 team. There is no way to “guarantee” selection. All I can do is perform well at all the qualifying events within the qualification period and get as many “A” and “B” times as possible to improve my chances at selection.
The Q & A Version
Q: “Are you going to Tokyo?”
A: This will be decided when selections come out on 13 July 2020.
Q: “Are you eligible to be selected for Tokyo?”
A: Yes, my times at World Championships in November made me eligible for selection.
Q: “When is the qualification period?”
A: For Tokyo 2020, the qualifying period begins with the 2019 Para Athletics World Championships which were in November and ends when selections are made 13 July 2020 (my 30th birthday!).
Q: “What events count as qualifiers?”
A: The following events:
Summer Down Under (20-26 January)
ACT State Championships (27 January)
Canberra Classic (13 February)
Swiss Tour
Nottwil Grand Prix (28-30 May)
Daniela Jutzeler Memorial (1 June)
Other qualifying events may arise; the selection committee will create them as they see fit.
Q: “How fast do you have to go?”
A: I have to do the 100m in under 17.8 seconds, preferably in under 17.2 seconds.
Q: “What can you do to improve your chances?”
A: Go fast! All I can do is do my best at the qualifying races and hit the qualifying thresholds.
Q: “What can I do to support?”
A: Paralympic years are really expensive. I must pay out of pocket for entrance fees for all qualifying races, equipment, accommodations at the AIS, travel and more. All donations are much appreciated. Additionally, I really appreciate supportive notes and letters. Positive thoughts and well wishes can really make a difference when I have a hard workout or need a pick me up. Feel free to leave them on my social media or please click here to leave a note or donations.
Thank you all for following my journey on my Trek to Tokyo and supporting Team Quadzilla Sam!