WHEELchair racer Luke Bailey is now concentrating on 2021 after the Paralympics planned for this year in Tokyo were postponed because of the coronavirus crisis.
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The 23-year-old is back home in Wingham for a few weeks enjoying a break from training. He was named in the Australian team for the Paralympics earlier this year, but as the pandemic worsened, he knew it was unlikely he'd be making the trip to Japan.
"It's the right decision,'' Bailey said of the postponement.
"Under the circumstances they couldn't do anything else.''
Bailey competed at the World Championships last year in Dubai where he made the final of the 100 metres. He finished just out of the placings. Bailey's current personal best is 14.31. Initially he thought he would have to go under this to ensure a place in the team for Tokyo. However, this was dropped when qualifying events were cancelled because of crisis.
While elated to be in the Australian side, Bailey admits he knew the Paralympic and Olympic games would be under threat.
However, he's determined to he ready for Tokyo 2021 and intends to be in the mix for a medal.
"I think I'll have to do around 14.20 to get a medal next year,'' he said.
"That's what I'm aiming for. I think I can do it.''
However, everything is on hold at the moment. Bailey is usually based in Newcastle to be closer to his coach, Andrew Dawes after moving there last year. Now he's enjoying a bit of R and R at Wingham.
"I don't even have my racing chair with me,'' he explained.
"Just my day chair. I'm catching up with family and friends and I won't be doing any training for at least three weeks. Then we'll probably start with some light training.''
He has no idea when his next competition might be although he thinks it will be at the tail end of the year.
While frustrating, Bailey said the hiatus could also be a positive.
"It will give me a chance to get over a few injuries. I had a crash earlier in the year and had a problems with my shoulder and a few other things,'' he said, adding that shoulder injuries are an ongoing concern for wheelchair racers.
Bailey turns 24 next year and believes he will be coming into his prime when the Paralympics roll around.
"That's another good thing,'' he said.
"I'll be a bit stronger and hopefully a bit faster.''
Organisers are planning for the Paralympics to now be held in July 2021. Paris will be the venue for the 2024 event. Bailey said that's also on the radar.
"I think I can do two. But that'll be all my body will be able to handle I think.''
