Czech Republic’s Patrik Hetmer has revealed he is aiming to qualify for the marathon at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

Czech Republic’s Patrik Hetmer, who won giant slalom bronze at this year’s International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Alpine Skiing World Championships in Panorama, Canada, has revealed he is aiming to qualify for the marathon at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The visually impaired skier is currently preparing to compete at the latest IPC Alpine Skiing Europa Cup, which is scheduled to take place from tomorrow until Sunday (December 20) in Kühtai, Austria.

But in addition to his winter sport ambitions, Hetmer also has the marathon in his sights as he aims to add another dimension to his career.

"An individual goal of mine is to try to fetch the marathon qualification for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro," he said.

"I would be happy if it worked, if it does not, life goes on."

Hetmer describes his training programme as very diverse, involving a lot of road cycling and mountain biking, and claims he "specialises" in long runs during the summer months.

"At the end of the summer, we add in the gym, running up and down stairs and generally we try to gather a lot of power," he added.

"In addition, we also use in-line skates and various aids to help improve balance and co-ordination exercises."

Patrik Hetmer in action at the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games
Patrik Hetmer in action at the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

Hetmer, whose guide is Miroslav Macala, says winning a World Championship bronze medal in March serves as a massive source of inspiration for the ongoing 2015-16 Alpine Skiing season.

"Bronze at the World Championship was an incredible encouragement for us and motivates me for further rigorous training," said the 32-year-old.

"Feelings at the start of the new season are mixed because we haven’t trained on snow as much as we should and want to.

"We focused more on other forms of training."

The first of this season’s six IPC Alpine Skiing World Cups is due to be held in the Austrian resort of Abtenau from January 15 to 17.

Hetmer admits it’s very difficult to estimate realistic aspirations for his team this year.

"We would like to step up on the podium at the Europa and World Cup regularly," he said.

"We do not know how many races we will be able to compete in due to funds.

"Gradually we will try to increase the ambitions but when you only spend five days on the snow in the pre-season, it is very difficult to compete against the world leaders."



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