Paralympics GB sprinter Graeme Ballard is on the hunt for gold medals as they approach the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Ballard, who runs for Chorley Harriers, made his Paralympic debut in Athens where he won bronze in the 200m. He is adding the 400m to his events this time around.

“I competed at Athens and got a bronze,” confirmed Ballard. “So I’m hoping to go two better this time.”

Ballard competes in the 100m, 200m, and 400m but his strongest British competitor could be Ben Rushgrove, who set the 200m world record at the Paralympic World Cup last year.

“I’ll be trying to get one over on him and he’ll be trying to get one over on me,” said Ballard.

Although focused on winning medals, the Chorley star is clear on how much they love their sport.

Ballard said: “I’m really looking forward to the Games. I think the 200m and the 400m are my best events. I like the bend on the 200m, I love running them.”

Ballard is in action from today starting with round 1 of the 100m The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games officially opened on Saturday and will see 11 days of competition before drawing to a close on September 17.

ParalympicsGB has 206 athletes competing across 18 sports at the Games.