Rorie Poff is heading off to Australia next week to compete at the Oceania track and field championships.
The 17-year-old Prebbleton athlete has been training hard for the pinnacle athletics event due to be held in Queensland.
He is part of a large New Zealand contingent heading to Australia, but admits he personally still has a few things to work on.
"It's not where I want it to be at the moment, but I reckon we'll get there."
The talented shot-putter has cerebral palsy, which he says impairs his co-ordination and balance.
"Some days it's worse than others, but I try and control it the best I can."
In a world-first for international athletics' competitions, para athletes will be competing at the same time as able-bodied athletes at the Oceania event.
They will still be in different categories, but all athletes will be competing for medals at the same venue.
Poff says world-class Canterbury shot putter Tom Walsh and Kiwi Jacko Gill are his inspiration - and he hopes to reach their level one day.
- By Geoff Sloan
- Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
