I lost my right arm in a car accident in Australia in 1994. I don’t remember exactly what happened. My car collided with another vehicle and ended up in a ditch. I did not realise the extent of the damage until my passenger told me my arm was on my lap.

Before the accident, I was a keen rugby union player, and despite my amputation, I was determined to play the game again.

A year later I started my first match, but it was a couple of years before I was introduced to athletics

Running practice
Together with my coach, Ayo Falola, I came to the decision that I could not run any faster in the 400m, so we decided last year that, if I was to maintain my progress, I should change my main event to the 800m

Monday and Wednesday: I begin with a hard run in the morning, followed by a steady one in the evening, covering a longer distance, and a weight session in between

Tuesday and Thursday: I start at Crystal Palace at 10.30am, stretch for an hour and then work on my technique, before spending time running on the track or on the grass — either 20 x 200m runs and then a short recovery, or 10 x 400m, with a short recovery after each lap. In the evening I run for 20-45 minutes

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Usually involve a steady run, a hill session and a track session at Crystal Palace. This part of the week always changes, but I try to take one day off.

Fortunately, I have had no problems with my balance, although during a race it is difficult to drive hard and push my body faster. When I was preparing for the 400m, I used a prosthetic arm in training, which enabled me to perform better from the starting blocks

Training in the gym: The weights I can lift are reduced, because I cannot hold the bar. For example, when I squat, I have to rest the end of the bar on my right shoulder. This strengthens my back, because it takes all the strain and weight during the exercises.

I usually spend about 45 minutes in the gym twice a week, looking to improve my core stability and posture. I am lucky that I do not compete in a power event, such as the 100m or 200m, because over that distance my disability would be a hindrance

Part-time work: Sponsorship is hard to get, so I have to work part-time to accommodate my training. I work as a consultant for a London-based scuba diving school and usually spend a couple of hours working from home.

Since joining Ayo, it has been easier to train full-time. I hope to be able to peak next year at the Paralympics in Athens