By Duncan Mackay

Craig Green HuntingtonJune 19 - Former semi-professional footballer Craig Green has set his sights on competing for Britain as a cyclist in the Paralympics at Rio 2016. 


The 32-year-old, who used to play for Huntington Town in the United Counties League, has quit football to pursue his dream. 

"I went to the Paralympics last year with my girlfriend and my little girl and it was a comment there that started it," Green told the Hunts Post.

"I just said to Stacey, my girlfriend, 'this is going to be me in Rio' – and that was it, that inspired me.

"I had previously ridden mountain bikes, BMXs and did some freestyle stuff, but I had never really ridden a road bike.

"But I thought I would try some triathlons and booked some of the local ones, and then I was on Twitter and Facebook all the time trying to gee up support for the [London] Marathon, and I had a Tweet from a gentleman called Paul West, who is the development officer for British Cycling up in Manchester.

"He invited me to an event called Sportsfest which promotes the Paralympic legacy and gives disable people a chance to try out sports and see what they can and can't do.

"So, six days after the marathon,

"I turned up there feeling a bit leggy and sore and I spoke to Paul, he put me on a bike, and we did some power tests and fitness tests and before I had even got home he had sent an email saying, 'We are looking for someone like yourself'.

"I have now joined British Cycling, got myself a bike, a race licence and sponsors, and I have joined a cycling club in Peterborough – so I am doing everything I can.

"I have my first competitive event in Derbyshire on July 28 and then I have another eight before the end of the year."

Green was born with Poland Syndrome, a deformity of my right hand and my right pectoral muscle.

"I've known no other way," said Green.

"I just get on with it and didn't even realise I would be classed as a disabled athlete until the London [2012] Games."

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