Six questions with Poland’s Michal Derus

Polish sprinter Michal Derus made an incredible entrance into para-athletics in 2013, winning gold in the 100m T46 at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France, as well as silver in the 200m.

Last year, the 24-year-old took the European title in both events; so far this year he tops the 100m T47 world rankings – a feat he has achieved since making his mark in track and field two years ago.

Derus will line up as one of the star athletes to watch at October’s IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha. Here, he answers some key questions going into the major event of 2015.

How much will your world championship experience from 2013 help you in Doha next month?

MD: Lyon was my first big championships in the international arena and it was an amazingly successful debut, winning two medals. Thanks to that, I've learned it’s worth pursuing a defined goal and to never give up, no matter what. That success two years ago gave me a boost and motivated me to work even harder.

How much have you improved and developed over the past two years?

MD: For the last two years, I've been training hard and significantly improved my results, especially in the 100 metres. I beat the world record in the T47 class a few times, however it was during local competitions organised for able-bodied people. I think the level of disabled athletics will get higher by the year, that's why you always have to develop yourself and overcome every barrier so as not to fall behind.

You have some strong rivals – Petrucio Ferreira dos Santos and Yohannson Nascimento of Brazil, and Gabriel Cole from Australia. Do you enjoy having such powerful competition?

MD: I'm very glad to have such opponents. The competition in our group is getting more spectacular thanks to that. The level of athletes’ skills is increasing year after year. Just compare the results of the top three in the World Championships in Lyon with the scores they got the year before at the London Paralympics. I systematically follow my opponents’ fortunes and hopefully our races will be exciting.

Ferreira has enjoyed a breakthrough season this year, winning double sprint gold at the Parapan Am Games last month. Are you looking forward to being rivals on the track?

MD: I haven't had a chance to compete against Ferreira yet. He is a talented young athlete and I'm impressed with his fast progress and I'm glad to have such a competitor in my group.

What are your aims for the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships?

MD: My biggest goal is to defend my 100 metres title. I'd also like to beat the current world record at that distance, as well as to get the best result in the 200 metres.

Do you feel more confidence going into Doha as a defending champion, or does that bring more pressure?

MD: Being at the top of the world rankings definitely gives me confidence. However, I don't underestimate my opponents as I know they are focused on training mainly for the World Championships.

Do you feel you can break the world record (10.72) in Doha, which has stood for a remarkable 23 years?

MD: I believe I’m able to run even faster as long as I’m in good shape. Breaking the world record has been one of my main goals since I beat my personal best in a local competition last year. However, it was impossible to beat it at the European Championships in Swansea, plus in Berlin and London because of bad weather conditions. I hope I will run with the wind in Doha!

Derus will be one of 1,400 athletes from 100 countries competing in the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar, between 21-31 November.