A budding Paralympic superstar from Meopham - who was paralysed from the waist-down after being shot in the spine - has set his sights on Rio just 10-months into his wheelchair racing career.

Speedster John Smith, 26, of Beechwood Gardens was shot in Hadlow near Tonbridge, when he was 16 years old.

Two men were jailed at Maidstone Crown Court in 2006 following the shooting.

Ten-years on, Mr Smith's career as a marathon wheelchair racer has skyrocketed and he is now setting new records all over the world.

News Shopper:
John Smith, 26, of Beechwood Gardens competing for team GB (c.) Kat Skeldon

The ambassador for Gravesend's Cyclopark said: “While I was in rehab I was told I would never be able to walk again.

“What really turned my life around was my mum and dad - it wasn’t about me, it was about what happened to my family.”

With a spectacular win in Dubai’s standard chartered marathon last month, Mr Smith has made the cut to compete in team GB for the London Marathon on April 24.

News Shopper:
Mike Stevens, Interim CEO for Cyclopark, Gravesend, with ambassador and speedster John Smith

In Dubai, Mr Smith completed the gruelling 26.2 miles in one hour and 35 minutes averaging speeds of 18 mph.

He told News Shopper: “It’s pretty exciting.

“[Rio] is every athlete’s ultimate dream - whether you’re a runner, jumper, thrower, whether you’re at the world championships or European championships - even getting there is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It’s about determination and dedication - that’s what it comes down to.

“If the best train 24 miles, I push for 25 - I stop when my coach tells me to."

The former boxer added: “I have been told that no one has done what I have done in 10 months.

“In Dubai I didn’t have anyone around me - I was pretty much on my own.”

News Shopper:
John Smith crossing the line in Dubai in one hour and 35 minutes

Dubai was only the racer’s third marathon alongside the London Marathon, which he completed in one hour and 46 minutes and the New York City Marathon, where he finished the course in one hour 40 minutes.

He will compete in the Tiberias half marathon in Seville, Spain this weekend.

The athlete's career is completely self-funded.

In his debut at the Silverstone half marathon last year, Mr Smith came second in a used racing chair that didn't fit him.

He said: “It’s hard getting the gear you need straight away.

“I have to pay for everything out my own pocket and now I have a £5,000 chair - with a carbon fibre and aircraft aluminium frame.

“It’s difficult when you start.”

The team for Rio will be announced in July with team mate and Paralympic legend David Weir training alongside Mr Smith, who is coached by legendary trainer, Jenny Archer.

TOP STORIES: