Heartbreak for Crates as he is forced to pull out

By Paul Carter

Danny Crates has been forced to withdraw from the Paralympic Games in Beijing due to injury.

The reigning T46 800m champion will not get the chance to defend his title, after it was revealed he had torn a calf muscle during a training session on Sunday.

Crates has had injury problems all season, and it was doubtful earlier on in the campaign if he would even make it to Beijing.

However, Great Britain’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony made it back to form, and looked set to defend his crown.

He said: “I’m totally devastated to have got so close and once again suffered a blow that has prevented me from doing something I’ve dreamed about for so long, which is stepping out into the Bird’s Nest stadium and defending my Paralympic title.

“I’d had a tough few months but I really thought I had turned the corner at the beginning of August.

“I have always said if I lined up on the start that I wanted to be competing for a medal and not just a participant in the race, which is why I’ve pushed myself in training and sadly it hasn’t paid off.”

Crates however was bullish about his future in the sport, saying he had “no intention” of retiring, and was looking towards 2012.

Phil Lane, ParalympicsGB chef de mission, wished Crates a speedy recovery and said it was a “great shame” he had to withdraw.

“He is a valuable member of the team and despite not being able to run, has been an inspiration to our younger athletes as a Paralympic champion and our flag bearer.”

On that opening ceremony, Crates added: “Even though I will not be able to defend my title, the experience of carrying the flag in the opening ceremony is something I will always treasure.”