Sport made me feel I can 'do anything' - Para-cyclist

Daphne Schrager won a world title in Rio de Janeiro

Para-cyclist Daphne Schrager said being part of the Great Britain Paralympics team has made her feel like she can "do anything".

The 22-year-old won the C3 individual pursuit at the Para-cycling Track World Championships in Paris last year.

Ms Schrager, from Malmesbury in Wiltshire, will cycle the C1-3 individual pursuit on track for Great Britain during the Paris Paralympics this week.

"I don't think my disability is a disadvantage anymore. It makes me feel like I can do anything," Ms Schrager said.

Ms Schrager had no cycling experience before trying the sport in December 2019

Ms Schrager, who has cerebral palsy - a condition that affects movement and coordination - joined British Cycling's programme in December 2019, after finishing her A-levels.

"I wasn't sure what I was going to do," the former sprinter told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

"I went to an open day and someone suggested becoming a cyclist, and I was like 'I don't ride a bike so this is going to be fun'.

"I wasn't a duck to water. I don't know how they kept me on. They let me crack on."

She said that during lockdown in 2020, she was able to train more because the roads were clear.

She later won a world title and European medals - including the C3 individual pursuit in Paris.

'Childhood dream'

Ms Schrager said: "My impairment means a lot of tremors outside of my control. They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

"It's always something I've lived with so I'm lucky in a way because I've always found a way through it.

"Para-sport is a huge outlet for me, I can't imagine doing anything else now.

"It's been a childhood dream, it's absolutely bonkers that I'll be cycling with a Great British jersey on.

"I'll cherish the moment. Just to take it all in and enjoy the experience and try not to get too nervous."