WSET.com - ABC13Athlete Has Eyes on 2012 Paralympics

Athlete Has Eyes on 2012 Paralympics

Reporter: Melinda Zosh

Lynchburg, VA - The Flames High School indoor track Invitational kicked off today at Liberty University.

About 1,800 athletes from all over the area competed.

One high school senior, however, is really making a name for himself. Peter Tainer runs with prosthetic legs.

Tainer had a strong start in the 1,000 meter race. The senior represented Lord Botetourt High School on Saturday, but he's looking ahead. His eyes are set on the 2012 Paralympics in London, and he's stopping at nothing to get there.

"I really want it so bad and it drives me to work as hard as I can, during

practice, outside practice, run as hard as I can during meets," Peter Tainer said.

Tainer finished in last place at most of his meets during freshmen year.

"He used to just try to finish and then he just started beating one person or two people," Head Indoor Track Coach Peter Walton said.

"Now, I'm working my way up. You've got to have that determination and drive to keep going.

At Saturday's meet, Tainer was leading the pack.

"My coach used to have to stand at the finish line to catch me," Tainer said.

Coach Peter Walton has trained Tainer from day one from the day when he got his first pair of running legs to the national paralympic championships last year in Florida.

"If I go to London, I'm hoping team USA will ask me to sign on," Tainer said.

So as Tainer finishes the 1,000 meter, he knows the race has just begin.

"We know he's going to make it as far as he wants to go," teammate Nialah Wilson said.

"Don't ever give up, just keep pushing. If you're still coming in last don't worry, you'll get there, Tainer said.

Coach  Walton says Tainer will amp up his training this spring.