Crates leads Great Britain in Paralympic Games

6:17pm Saturday 6th September 2008

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SOUTH Essex's Danny Crates says his role as Great Britain's flag bearer for the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony Beijing "the pinnacle" of his career.

The 35-year-old who lived in Stanford-le-Hope, has been struggling with an Achilles injury in the build-up to his third Paralympics and his preparation has not been as he would have liked.

However, that will not prevent him lining up for the defence of his T46 800metres title a week on Sunday.

"At one stage I didn't even think I was going to get to step inside the Bird's Nest," said Crates.

"To step inside with the greatest honour of all - carrying the flag - and then knowing a week later I will step inside there as a competitor is what we all dream of."

Speaking of his role as Great Britain's flag bearerm he said; "This is pretty much the pinnacle as your team-mates are the ones that actually vote for you."