It seems like an age since we witnessed Paralympic athletics wow 91,000 spectators every night in Beijing’s Bird’s Nest.

 

Indeed, by the time the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships kicks off in Christchurch, New Zealand, in January it will have been a full 28 months since that wonderful event.

 

At last however, the time is upon us again for elite track and field athletes to demonstrate their immense athletic prowess to the world when they meet in Christchurch.

 

For European teams, this event represents the only major championships between the Beijing and London Paralympics and therefore is an essential platform for aspiring London Paralympians to demonstrate to their National Federations their ability to compete with the best on the world stage.

 

Here in Ireland, we have just announced a team of nine athletes with a mix of experience - including Beijing gold medallists and reigning world champions Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop (pictured), and first time championship participants including Ray O’Dwyer, Ailish Dunne and Nadine Lattimore.

 

Our small team will be led by the Head of Paralympic Athletics, James Nolan, himself a two time Olympic competitor.

 

While thankful that this event is still taking place following the recent earthquake, the competition presents huge challenges, which contrasts greatly from the London experience facing our athletes in 2012.

 

Aside from the distance to travel - of which most experienced athletes will have detailed coping strategies in place to minimise the effect and maximise recovery fatigue/jetlag - the preparation for an event in January has turned the athletics season on its head for our team members.

 

We are confident the coaching staff preparing our team will have each of the nine athletes in peak physical condition and be in an optimal state of mental readiness.

 

This sport has major potential for growth and to remain as the premier sport at the Paralympic Games.

 

To grow however, the sport has to be visible and in the forefront of Paralympic activities on an ongoing basis.

 

The fact that only one championship will be contested by athletes in a four-year period between Paralympic Games is disappointing and de-motivating for many athletes.

 

If young aspiring athletes cannot see the sport they aspire to and their role models in championship competition, these potential athletes could be lost to other sports.

 

While IPC Athletics have made great strides, it is essential that the Paralympic Athletics world ensures that a championship offering be available in the sport on an annual basis following the London 2012 Games.