Where Do We Go From Here?

2020 has finally come to an end...and wow, it sure was something.  Overall, I’m very thankful to have stayed safe and healthy throughout the year and been able to have my bubble support system.  Thank you all for your love and support during this time, especially as we lead into Tokyo 2020 in August. (Fingers crossed that pesky virus stays away!)

I also wanted to apologize for the sporadic blog posts.  At many points in the lockdown(s), I wasn’t really sure what to write as I didn’t want to harp on quarantine gripes or give uncertain or possibly incorrect information about the racing season or Paralympics outlook.  Thank you all for your patience.
Let’s get into it,  what happened in 2020 and what to expect in 2021!

2020 Race Summary (Six Races Total)

Pre-COVID Lockdowns

  • 20 January (Summer Down Under Day 1)

    • Qualifier:  No, ineligible on a wind technicality

    • Time:  17.04s

    • Wind: +2.2 m/s

  • 21 January (Summer Down Under Day 2)

    • Qualifier:  Yes, A  (New national record!)

    • Time:  17.07s.

    • Wind:  +1.9 m/s

  • 24 January (ACT State Championships)

    • Qualifier:  Yes, A

    • Time:  17.18s

    • Wind: +0.1 m/s

  • 13 February (Canberra Classic)

    • Qualifier:  No, pouring with rain!

    • Time:  18.45s

    • Wind:  -1.3 m/s

Post-COVID Lockdowns

  • 22 November (Summer Series No. 5)

    • Qualifier:  Yes, B, in mild rain

    • Time:  17.33s

    • Wind: +1.3 m/s

  • 05 December (Summer Series No. 7)

    • Qualifier:  Yes, B, in severe rain

    • Time:  17.63s

    • Wind: +1.7 m/s

If you are confused about what a qualifying time is and how nominations work, please see the previous blog post Para Athletics Explained.  While this was written for World Championships last year, the process is the same.  If you’re curious about the full official explanation, you can read the Athletics Australia Nomination Policy for the 2020 Paralympic Games.

What Does This Mean for Tokyo 2020?

Going into the 2021 year, I have five qualifying times (2 A’s, 3 B’s).  This is well above the minimum of 2 for consideration for the Paralympic team and more than I’ve ever had before going into a Paralympic Games.  I am feeling very strong and prepared, and look forward to improving even more in the first half of 2021.   There will be at least a few more qualifying opportunities between now and Tokyo selections (which will most likely be finalized in July),  I am eager for them as both of my post-COVID races have been in the rain and I long for ideal conditions so I can best my PB and possibly break 17 seconds, a long-time dream of mine.  However, the large wheelchair track competition hosted in Switzerland every year in May/June has been cancelled.  This is a huge bummer because it is hosted on some of the fastest wheelchair racing tracks in the world and records are frequently broken at this series.  

But to answer the question above, as far as I am aware, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to happen in June-September 2021 in Tokyo as planned.  How they will be executed is still very much up for debate as the COVID-19 situation is very fluid.  I will, of course, update you as I know more.

When Is The Next Race?

The next race for me is the Summer Down Under Series (SDU) in Canberra which is hosted usually in the 3rd week of January.  Usually this event is two days in Canberra and one in Sydney; however due to COVID-19, all three days will be hosted in Canberra this time.  This usually offers racers a couple of opportunities for qualifiers and is where I broke my personal best (PB) this past year! (fingers crossed that pesky virus stays away!)

For my most astute readers, I know you inquired about the 19 December race that I had planned to attend.  I did not race, but it was not due to injury.  My coach, the amazing Freddy, and I decided because it was forecasted to rain (AGAIN) and that it was so close to the holidays that I went to be with family instead and rested up for SDU.

What Were Some Memorable Moments From This Year?

Some memorable 2020 moments include (in no particular order):

How Can Fans Support?

Going into a Paralympic year is always difficult, and of course, COVID-19 has made it even more difficult physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I always appreciate warm wishes and words of encouragement and you can provide them and/or donations on my Giving page or you can reach me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

The End Part

I was going to start this paragraph with “looking back on 2020” but in reality a lot of 2020 will continue to linger with us all for at least the near future. It's certainly thrown its fair share of foul-mouth insults at the world and, in turn, caused unimaginable destruction, financial strain and has taken far too many lives. But, in a way, I’m apprehensive about saying good riddance and bugger off to 2020. On a brighter note, in 2020 I felt that I have been a part of a global collective community more so now than in recent years. I have  seen our collective supportive nature as we raised money for the horrific fires in Australia and consequently focused our talk around climate change, and later in the year as we came together to entertain and look out for each other during our lockdowns, we also raised our voices and called out those committing wrongs in the community.  So, thank you 2020 for bringing us together, but also, good riddance.  Let’s go, 2021!


Sam McIntosh