Michael prepares for Paralympic performance

Kristyn Comino

Michael Roeger in action at the Beijing Olympics. Photo courtesy of Serena Corporate Photography

17 July 2012: University of Canberra student Michael Roeger will compete in this year’s London Paralympic Games, ready to top his last performance in the finals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. 

In Beijing, Roeger placed eighth in the final of the 1500m race and also competed in the 800m event. He said the extra four years of racing and training experience will help him focus on just competing in the 800m race this year.

“I feel a lot more experienced and I’m trusting my training more now. This time around I’m competing in the one event so I’m putting all my eggs in one basket,” Roeger said. 

An athlete at the Australian Institute of Sport, Roeger has been focusing on leg strength, including more repetitions and longer weights sessions during training at the gym five times a week.

Roeger was born without the lower half of his right arm and will compete in the T46 class of the 800m race at the Paralympics. Ahead of the event he said he “has to be confident because anything can happen in a middle distance race”, adding that he will draw on his experience in Beijing. 

“Beijing was amazing – racing in front of 90,000 people was pretty surreal. I was really nervous last time so I won’t put myself in that position this time. We work closely with sports psychologists and you also need to trust in the work you’re doing in training and the result should come.”

Roeger is studying a Bachelor of Communications in Advertising and Marketing at the University, saying that despite his grueling training schedule he is committed to studying in a field he has always had an interest in. 

“Training always comes first being an elite athlete, but the University is very accommodating of that. I always liked media and journalism so I wouldn’t mind getting into something around sports in that area after I finish.”

Roeger moved to Canberra in 2009 from Langhorne Creek in South Australia. He said he is looking forward to having his girlfriend watch him represent Australia at the Paralympics.

The London Paralympic Games begin on 29 August 2012.

Read more about UC Olympic Games and Paralympic Games representatives:

Reardon races to Paralympic debut

Powell pedals to Paralympics

Sally set for second Olympic swim

Evan eyes more Paralympic gold

Scott sprints to second Paralympics

Rocket Roberts launches to London

Angie's second Olympic adventure

Peacock flies into Olympic Games debut