Disablity proves no barrier to Damian

Kalgoorlie-Boulder athelete Damian McGay has proved that no disability can overcome a strong spirit.

Mr. McGay, 24, who has cerebral palsy, swept aside the competition to take out six gold medals in the WA Disabled Sports Association track and field State Championships held in Perth recently.

He won the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and long just in his first appearance at the State titles. But the man who only took up atheletics two years ago take is all in his stride.

"I've never been to the State titles before," he said. "I just went down there to have a bit of fun. I thought I would be coming last and watching the rest of the competition."

He admits that when he saw the results for his first event - the long jump - he thought someone had made a mistake.

"I thought 'this isn't right, how did that happen?'," he said.

Not only did it happen once, it happened over and over again until Mr. McGay came away with a further five gold medals, and the attention of a national coach.

"When I was down there, one of the Australian Institute of Sport coaches asked me if I wanted to go further, which I definitely want to do," he said.

"I have been asked to go to Nottingham for the World Championships in Great Britain on July 19."

Mr. McGay said he has never let his condition hold him back from anything. He has been training in martial arts for the past 12 years and recently focused that dedication towards atheletics.

He hoped his performance at the titles would inspire others to work hard towards their goals.

"I have always been training," he said.

"I always said if I can do it, anyone can - it doesn't matter who you are, you just get out there and do it."

Mr. McGay was part of a team of about 40 athletes who represented the Goldfields against the rest of the State. One of the things that spurred on their successful effort was the amount of support from local residents.