The film was shot by Dr John Edwards, who follows Rushgrove after he had broken his foot, and the role of University of Loughborough's Sport Technology Institute in his recovery features prominently.

Rushgrove was born with cerebral palsy and has overcome his disability to compete as a top level Para-athlete, and the film, called "BEN", follows him behind the scenes at both the Beijing Paralympic Games and the IPC World Championships earlier this year.

Rushgrove's has also benefited from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) "Elite to High Street" research grant, which helps develop high performance sports footwear.

Professor Mike Caine, Director of the Sports Technology Institute said: "The technologies being developed by the research group may contribute to the UK's medal winning prospects in the London 2012 Games, however the longer-term goal is to bring personalised athletic footwear to the high street.

"In the case of Ben Rushgrove the team were able to explore how to use personalised running shoes to support Ben's feet more effectively when subjected to the impact forces of sprinting.

"What we learnt from working with Ben has enabled us to better understand the potential benefits of this emerging technology."

Dr Edwards added: "It's been a great privilege to work with such an inspirational athlete and to gain a unique insight into his life.

"I hope the film sheds light just what it takes to become a Paralympian.

"I want the world to know that, for these guys, training to achieve glory at London 2012 means battling hard every day on many fronts."

The film is screened at the Leonard Dixon Studio at the University campus, with both Rushgrove and Edwards in attendance.

"My hope is that the film will inspire people to find out more about the Paralympics, and show the hard work and commitment of the athletes involved," said Rushgrove.

"As you watch the film and my story, I hope it questions some of the prejudices and causes people to think about disability in a new way."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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October 2010: Medals alone don't motivate me, says Paralympic star Rushgrove
December 2009: Rushgrove graduates with honours on and off the track