6:17pm Saturday 6th September 2008
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."
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