Scott Jones missed out on being part of Team GB at the London Paralympics last year because they were worried the pressure would be too much for him at 14.
But after setting two new world records in the discus and shot put events at the Fazza International Athletics Championships, he proved his talent.
Jones competed in able-bodied athletics before suffering stroke-like symptoms three years ago and now competes in para-athletics.
Sport360° caught up with Jones, 15 and his mother Liz, to find out more about a star in the making.
You just set your second new world record, how did that feel?
SJ: It was really weird. My first two throws weren’t brilliant. My first one wasn’t anywhere, then the second one just flew. It was like a metre over the world record and I was like ‘whoa’. Then the next one went further and it just went on from there.
How much training do you do?
SJ: Five days a week, Monday to Friday, and Saturdays I sometimes have competitions. And Sundays are mostly a day off.
How do you manage your time between the disciplines you compete in?
SJ: I train at school, so in my PE sessions I do gym sessions or aerobics – that normally helps with my technique. So I have machines that can help me when I throw.
At training I do three events. Monday, I do shot put and discus. Then on Tuesday I would do discus and club, then on Thursday I would do club and shot put. We always alternate so I get the same amount of events per week.
How did you make the transition from able-bodied athletics to para-athletics?
SJ: I used to train before my injury about two-three times a week. Then, afterwards I had a few months off and started getting back into it once a week. Then up to twice a week, then gradually up to five.
It started off as just a hobby. I never thought it would come to what it is now. I didn’t think three years later I’d be up on the podium with two world records.
Talk to me about your support system. Who has helped you most in your career?
SJ: My parents who got me into the sport. My PE teachers, they make sure I’m doing the right stuff at school. And my coach Caroline, who has got me to where I am now. I probably wouldn’t be here without her.
How is it competing in the Middle East?
SJ: I’ve competed in bigger competitions than this. Biggest is 3000, that was able-bodied. But this is different because of the weather. I’ve never been in anything over 25 degrees so it was a bit of a shock when I came out to do the discus and it was 24 degrees at night. And I was like ‘why is it this hot?’
It’s weird because none of the officials spoke English. They all spoke in Arabic around me. I’m not used to that and it sounds like they’re shouting at me, but they’re not. Then they smile and I get it. It’s also different with the athletes here because they don’t try to psyche you out. Other competitions they try mind games and stuff, but here they’re really friendly.
Would you compete next year?
SJ: Definitely. Any day of the week.
After setting two world records, what are your current goals in the sport?
SJ: I want to get selected for the World Championships. Maybe a medal, but I’m also looking more for the experience there. Then to go to the 2014 European Championships, which are in my home country, like an hour away from home. Then in 2015 there’s the World Championships in Qatar which I’d like to get to again and hopefully get on the podium. Then Rio 2016 obviously.
Do you have any sporting idols you draw inspiration from?
Who are they? SJ: I used to be a rugby player before my injuries and Mike Tindall used to be my idol. Now it’s probably any Paralympian because they have to go through a lot more than anyone else.
You attended the London 2012 Paralympics, even though you didn’t compete, how was the experience?
SJ: Every time we saw a British person or a flag or an athlete, the crowd just went for it, shouting, screaming. Then when someone won a medal everyone was just roaring. People got more aware of disabilities that way which is good. People used to stare at you walking, but now they just walk past you and it’s normal and they’re not bothered. And they also seem more receptive to the sport.
What do you do in your free time?
SJ: I do sports scouts, I hang out with my girlfriend and friends, while school takes up quite a lot of time. I watch a lot of rugby, union and league. Football sometimes, I’m a Wolves fan. I watch a lot of American football – college football. I watch a lot of athletics obviously, able-bodied, disability, I don’t care.
Liz, how proud are you of Scott’s accomplishments here in Dubai?
LJ: Very proud. He’s handled himself very well for someone as young as he is. We had the classification when we came here, that was very nerve-racking, but he’s done brilliantly.
How was the transition like for you after his injury?
LJ: After the first illness, the stroke-like symptoms, he was in hospital for five weeks. I officiated athletics, so he came with me for one at our club, we call them mid-summer opens, and the next thing I’m looking over and he’s having a go from his wheelchair. He had another illness after that, but he still kept going and turned up to training. So Caroline, his coach, thought ‘we’ll run with this then’.
Do you ever worry about the pressure?
LJ: He’s sensible and he’ll just go for it.
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