Gavin Drysdale still remembers the first time he ran. Using a metal frame called a frame runner, the five-year-old Drysdale fell in love with running instantly.
“I can remember falling in love with the sense of freedom and speed that frame running gave me. It was the first time I had run independently without any support from others,” Drysdale said. “The feeling never gets old.”
Now he is a two-time world champion, and in three years, he will see his event shine at the Paralympic Games.
For the first time in Paralympic history, the LA28 Paralympic Games will include the men’s and women’s 100m T72 events. The LA28 Paralympic Opening Ceremony will take place on 15 August 2028 at the Stadium in Inglewood.
For many athletes including Drysdale, it is a dream come true.
“It will be amazing to see frame running on the biggest stage of all,” said Drysdale, who communicates using an electronic device. “I’m trying to not get too carried away with myself.
“There is a lot of hard work to be done between now and LA28, but I would love to be there. I will play a part in Paralympic history and most importantly help to showcase frame running to the world.”
What is frame running?
In the new Paralympic event, athletes with coordination impairments use a three-wheeled frame to run on an athletic track.
“The sport gives people the opportunity to run independently, who otherwise would not. It’s a very fun and exciting sport to watch, and I promise I’m not being biased saying that,” Drysdale said.
The LA28 Paralympic Games, which take place from 15-27 August 2028, will feature more than 4,000 athletes competing in 560 medal events across 23 sports. Para athletics action will take place at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum, which hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in 1932 and 1984.
Though new to the Paralympic programme, frame running made its World Championship debut at Dubai 2019. Drysdale and Kayleigh Haggo became the first-ever world champions in frame racing, winning the 100m RR3 events. At the Paris 2023 World Championships, Drysdale won the men’s 100m T72, with his teammate Rafi Solaiman taking silver and Brazil’s Vinicius Marques taking bronze. Australia’s Maria Strong won gold in the women’s event, followed by Magdalena Andruszkiewicz of Poland and Judith Tortosa Vila of Spain.
The men’s and women’s 100m T71 and T72 events will also be held at this year’s World Championships in New Delhi, India.
To the Paralympic spotlight
Five years after discovering frame running, Drysdale won his first medal at the Scottish Disability Sport Junior Championships in Grangemouth, Scotland. He topped the podium at the World Para Athletics European Championships, a year before taking historic gold at the 2019 World Championships.
Off the athletics track, Drysdale works as a Project Officer at World Abilitysport. In June, he attended the International Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Forum in Germany, representing the organisation.
Now, with LA28 on the horizon, Drysdale is excited about what is to come.
“I can’t believe this is actually happening,” Drysdale said. “The inclusion of frame running in the Paralympic programme has been a dream of mine and my fellow athletes for a long time. To now be able to see it as a reality is absolutely amazing.”
He hopes to be part of history at LA28, and he says he is ready. He even shared the key to success.
“Without giving away all my secrets, I will say it’s very similar to all Para sports. I would not have achieved what I have done without a great team around me, not only on the track but also off the track,” he said.
“I need to make sure I am being consistent with my efforts in the same way all those working in frame running have done to allow myself and others to have this Paralympic pathway today.”
And when it comes down to it, Drysdale believes success starts with joy.
“Most importantly, you need to make sure you’re enjoying what you’re doing. One of my coaches always used to say, ‘A happy athlete is a fast athlete.’”
Discover more about the LA28 Paralympic Games