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0:00:42 > 0:00:44- We've come to Whitesands, - St Davids...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- ..as we used to come here almost - every weekend when I was growing up.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- Dad would drive down - with the caravan in the morning.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- My mum would pick my brother and me - up from school.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02- We'd park and then I'd just - run down and jump into the sea.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- I loved the water.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- I have incredible memories - of this beach.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- My brother and I - went to Welsh-medium schools.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- We started in Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr - in Bridgend...
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- ..and then we went to Llanhari.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- There are seven years between us.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- When I started in Year 7, - he was in Upper Sixth.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- We were always - competing against each other...
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- ..especially - when swimming in the sea.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- We're best friends.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- We talk to each other - about anything.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- He always gives me great support.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- Mam and Dad just wanted me - to have every opportunity.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- We've been through a lot together...
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- ..especially with my disability - - I've had many operations.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- Mam dedicated her life - to bringing me up.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- Dad worked so hard - to make sure we had everything.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17- We're so close - and I love them dearly.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- I'm so grateful that - they've given me an amazing life.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- Just thinking of the times - you spent...
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- ..with the boys from the surf - lifesaving club...
0:02:28 > 0:02:29- ..jumping off the rocks.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- I had my heart in my mouth.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- You had to go with them no matter - how long it took you to get there.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- You on the back of my bike.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- You had a plaster from your toe - to here.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- You sat at the back and the bike - would be going up at the front...
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- ..because of the weight - of the plaster!
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- When I was born, - I had to have an operation...
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- ..because my leg - was bent around my neck.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- They had to break my leg - in 17 places...
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- ..make it into the shape of a leg - and put it in a cast.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- I didn't have the bone - and had a club foot...
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- ..so bone was taken from my hip - to create the lower part of my leg.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- Because it didn't grow...
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- ..I had a frame with 36 pins - through the leg.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- Every day, a spanner would be used - to turn them...
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- ..so it would extend the leg - a little every day.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- I'm lucky now - that I received that treatment.
0:03:34 > 0:03:35- I have two legs.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- I don't know any different - so I just get on with my life.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- I remember being here - in my wheelchair.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- Nothing used to stop us. - We took you everywhere.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- Why let a little thing like that - get in the way?
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- If we couldn't get you in the bike - or wheelchair, we'd carry you.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- Wouldn't be able to carry you now!
0:03:57 > 0:03:58- Wouldn't be able to carry you now!- - No.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- When I was growing up, - I didn't have any worries.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- Mam and Dad raised me - the same way as my brother.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- Despite my disability, - they didn't treat me any different.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- I'm so jealous - of the people out there surfing.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- So jealous.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- I didn't think it affected me - until I was growing up.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- Then I understood that my disability - affected me in some ways.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- That's why - I loved going into the sea.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- When I was in the sea, - I was the same as everyone else.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- I could swim at the same speed.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- When I was growing up, I competed - in lifesaving with my brother.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- Most races would start on the beach.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11- You run into the sea, - swim out to a buoy in the sea...
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- ..go around it, swim back - and run back up the beach.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- I'd run into the sea, - everyone would get in front of me...
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- ..I'd catch them up in the sea, - sometimes I'd go in the lead...
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- ..and when I'd return to the beach, - everyone would beat me.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- When you were swimming, 'cos you - were in the water, you were winning.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- Then, up until 15...
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- ..the decision had to be made then - which way you wanted to go.
0:05:41 > 0:05:47- At the end of the day, with you - and Rhys, we've always said...
0:05:47 > 0:05:52- .."Do whatever you want to do and do - it to the best of your ability."
0:05:52 > 0:05:53- Isn't it?
0:05:54 > 0:05:55- You've had a go.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- If you fail, you fail, if you do - well, you do well. You've done well.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- It was in 2005 that I heard - that London had won the bid...
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- ..to host the Olympics - and Paralympics.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- That became my aim...
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- ..because I knew they'd be the only - home games during my career.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- So I had to make sure I was going to - be there competing in something...
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- ..though I didn't know at the time - in which sport.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- I was swimming at the time...
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- ..but I knew I wasn't good enough - to go to the Paralympics.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- I went for an open day - for a variety of sports.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- I tried every sport under the sun.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- Then I discovered the throws.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- I found - I was good at throwing things.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- After training for about a year...
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- ..I was picked to go to the Junior - World Championships in Ireland...
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- ..in 2006.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- I won the discus - and came third in the shot put.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- In 2010, I got another chance to go - to the Junior World Championships.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- I won two gold medals and broke the - junior world record in both events.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- Because of that, the British team - saw something in me.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- They took a team of 40...
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- ..to the World Championships - in New Zealand in 2011.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- I hadn't reached - the required criteria to go...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- ..but they took me as the 40th - member of the team, as a wildcard.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- Olympic Stadium, London
0:08:05 > 0:08:11- In New Zealand in 2011, I remember - the day when I went to compete.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- No-one knew who I was.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- I was small, 18 or 19 years old.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- I wanted to show everyone - that I was the future.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- When I went out there, - I performed out of my skin.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- I came back with a bronze.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- That changed my mindset completely.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- Growing up, - my dream was to reach London.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- After that, it changed.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- I knew I could reach London - but could I win a medal as well?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- You warmed up - then you went under a tunnel.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- It was like Gladiator - because I walked beneath everyone.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- They chanted and I could hear - their feet stamping on the ground.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- The stadium was so noisy. - I've never heard such a noise.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- I walked out, I was introduced.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- I just stood and waved and thought, - "What is going on?"
0:09:23 > 0:09:24- Crazy.
0:09:25 > 0:09:26- Crazy.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- I didn't know - that this was possible...
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- ..especially in disability sport.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- It's sad because - I don't know if it'll be repeated.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47- It brings - so many different emotions.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- The competition itself - was like a pantomime.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59- I went round by round - against my rival from Iran.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- He did a throw that was...
0:10:05 > 0:10:10- It was his best ever throw - and he did it in the first round.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11- It was incredible.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- He screamed and pointed at me.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- I thought, "Right, OK.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- "Yes. I can do this. Right."
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- I love that kind of competition...
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- ..especially when someone thinks - they can beat me.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- That's what brings out - the best in me.
0:10:32 > 0:10:38- I went in and opened with a throw - that went further than his...
0:10:38 > 0:10:39- ..by about 20cm.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- I did the same back - - screamed and pointed at him.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- The competition was only - between me and the Iranian really.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- We were three or four metres - further than the rest.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00- In every round, - the Iranian guy crept up...
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- ..about 5cm at a time.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- He threw five lifetime bests.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- That never happens in throws.
0:11:08 > 0:11:09- Never happens.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- It was the competition of his life. - It was incredible to see.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- I produced poor throw - after poor throw.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- I was trying too hard.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- For about half an hour, - the competition became a blur.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- I remember sitting down and - thinking, "This is the final round."
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- Then it was up to the Iranian.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- He produced a huge throw.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41- He screamed.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- When the discus landed, - you could hear a pin drop.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- I didn't see it.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- I couldn't look.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- I looked at the coach.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- His eyes were wide open.
0:12:02 > 0:12:08- Everyone just stood up as one - screaming.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- They threw things.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- That's when I saw...
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- ..he'd fallen 5cm short.
0:12:17 > 0:12:18- I'd won the gold.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- I think about that moment every day.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- I don't think it'll ever sink in.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Everyone was shouting my name.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- It was like watching a film.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- I was so happy, but I was sad too...
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- ..because it was all over.
0:12:44 > 0:12:50- You work so hard for a competition - that lasts 45 minutes.
0:12:51 > 0:12:57- I saw it as a chance to show - everyone that I'm an athlete.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- A discus thrower.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- Forget about the disability, - I'm someone who worked hard...
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- ..to make sure I gave my best - performance on the best stage ever.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- I think a lot has changed - because of London.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- London catapulted parasport - forward by about 20 years.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- There were little things...
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- ..like when I was at the Games, - going around the Park...
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- ..I could see little kids wearing - shorts showing their disability.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- I hadn't worn a pair of shorts - until I was 15.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- It changed what people thought - about disability.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- The Games changed me a lot.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- I got the opportunity - to go full-time.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- I got a lot of sponsorship.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- I've won every title since then.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- Now I just want to show everyone - that, disability or not...
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- ..you can be an athlete - competing at the highest level.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- I didn't know - there was a slide here.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- I've heard - it's the biggest in the world.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- I love a challenge - so I'm going to take it on.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- Wow! This is incredible!
0:14:41 > 0:14:42- So fast!
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- I love returning to the Park, - especially the Stadium...
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- ..because I have so many memories.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- It's so nice to come back - and remember what happened.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- This is where my life changed. - It'll always be close to my heart.
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0:15:11 > 0:15:11- Subtitles
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- I love music, - especially in the morning.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- It gets me ready for the day.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- After listening to music, - I can't wait to go to training.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- I've been mixing music - for about four years.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- I wanted a good music system...
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- ..because I wanted to show people - what I can do.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- It's my hobby on the side.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- I can come home - and just jump on the decks.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- The National Indoor Centre - in Cardiff...
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- ..is one of - my most important places.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- It started here - and I think it'll end here too.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- Cyncoed Campus
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- Here we are in the - National Indoor Athletics Centre.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- I've been training here - for about ten years.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37- I love this place.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- There are so many different athletes - training for so many sports.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- I'm going to show you where I train - and lift weights.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- When we train, - we train in eight-week cycles.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- In winter, we focus on strength, - lifting lots of weights.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- When we come to compete, - we drop the weight...
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- ..and focus on power and speed...
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- ..and technique in the circle.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- I've had so many injuries - over the years...
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- ..because I push my body to places - I didn't think I could go.
0:17:29 > 0:17:35- I have to do so many things to make - sure I stay at the right weight.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- The most important aspect - is the psychological work.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- I believe I'm the best in the world.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- Every time I go into a competition, - I don't believe anyone can beat me.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- I know I've worked harder - than the other competitors.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- If I get an injury, it does - knock my confidence a little.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- After London, I showed everyone - I'm not a one-trick pony.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14- I went to the World Championships - and threw two world records...
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- ..and won two gold medals.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- After that, - it became easier for me to relax...
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- ..and think that I was the best in - the world and no-one could beat me.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- I paid for that attitude...
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- ..at the Commonwealth Games.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- Looking back, it makes me sad.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- But I make sure that I remember it.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- I don't get many opportunities - to compete for Wales.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- Being a Welshman, - it's really close to my heart.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- Leading the team up in Glasgow...
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- ..I wanted to show everyone - how to do it.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- I wanted to beat everyone - and come back with the gold.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05- I remember going into the circle - in the first round.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- I was happy with my throw. - I said to myself, "Yes."
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- When it landed, I saw the distance - and thought, "Oh, no."
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- I knew at that moment, it was - the best I could do on the day.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- It wasn't enough for the gold medal.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- I lost, - but I also lost to an Englishman.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- That hurt.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- I remember it every day.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- It makes me get up in the morning - and work really hard...
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- ..because I never want to feel - like that again.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42- I hate losing.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- I have another personality - that I tap into when I compete...
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- ..a really, really aggressive man.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- When I go out there, - I want to beat everyone.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- I want to really beat everyone.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- It's not a nice man but I have - to be like that to be the best.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- When I was growing up, - I loved tattoos.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- I wanted a reason to get one myself.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- After going to London, - I wanted to get the rings.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- I wanted to design something.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- A personal reminder - that showed people what I do.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- So I got the torch - from the first London Games...
0:20:30 > 0:20:36- ..then the first five sports to - feature at the Olympics...
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- ..on commemorative coins - bought by competitors.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- Then, on my elbow is Zeus, - the god of the Olympiad.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- That signifies I'm a champion.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- On the bottom is a wreath...
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- ..which the winners all received.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- It's a story - which I love explaining to people.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- There aren't many people - who can have what I have...
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- ..because they haven't done - what I've done.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- I'm a Paralympic athlete.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- I have to wear - a belt and a prosthesis...
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- ..to give my leg - the required support.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- I designed what I wanted.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- I took it to the company - and they made what I wanted.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- I'm wearing a belt - that's been made at 60C.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- That means I can put power into - the belt and get power out too.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- I compete against people - with blades.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- I think - they have an advantage over me.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- They can create their desired leg...
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- ..where I've got to work - with what I have.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- Unfortunately, - it'll never compare with a blade.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- But with the new belt...
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- ..and the fact we're looking - to improve every day...
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- ..I'm confident about what I can do.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- I'm really excited about - what I might throw in the summer.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- I'm competing against - able-bodied people at the moment.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- I'm number two in Wales - and I'm in the top eight in Britain.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- In the next four or five years...
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- ..I want to push myself - to see how far I can go.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- I hope I can start beating - able-bodied athletes in Britain...
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- ..and start competing - on the biggest stage...
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- ..with the best able-bodied athletes - in the world.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- I've had an incredible career.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- A little boy with a dream - of winning a gold medal.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- I've won two - - one from London and one from Rio.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- There's a gold postbox in my honour - too.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- It's amazing.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- But the journey isn't over.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- There's a lot of hard work to do - and a lot more medals to be won.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:52 > 0:23:52- .