Sponsors of the C4 London 2012 Paralympic Games site
29th August - 9th September
Ben Rushgrove Q & A
"I have a terrible habit of referring to myself as ‘we’, like the Queen"
18 Apr 2011 12:48 pm
What's the greatest moment in your career so far?
"It has to be breaking the 200m world record in Manchester back in 2007. Winning medals is great of course, but there's nothing like being able to say 'I am the fastest person in my category that's ever lived.' And I am so proud I'm able to know what that feels like."
And the worst moment in training?
"If I could train without having to do bike and pool sessions, life would be so much more fun. After I've been on the bike I can barely walk and running in the swimming pool often makes me feel sick. The endurance training isn't my cup of tea, I just love sprinting."
Do you have a nickname?
"My training partners call me 'Ginger Monkey'. I think it's down to hair colour and lankiness. Not very nice are they?"
Who is your nemesis?
"There are three of us who have been battling neck and neck since 2007 and we're tremendous rivals. Alongside me in the trio are Hong Kong's So Wa Wai and the Ukrainian Roman Pavlyk who's the current Paralympic Games champion. We've all beaten one another and in London, any of us could be standing on top of the podium."
Do you have a party trick?
"I've learned this card trick that's impossible for anyone to work out unless they know the mathematics behind it. I can guess the right card every time. It usually impresses people."
What are you most scared of?
"I'm afraid my coach will accuse me of not trying hard enough. I always try and do my best but I have a persistent fear that others will think I'm not giving 100%. It probably helps me push myself."
Who is your sporting idol?
"I don't have a sporting hero as such. I'm more influenced by the likes of Einstein, Martin Luther King and Sir Isaac Newton, men who made a real difference to the world. I can relate much of what they did to sport. I find them fascinating."
What is your worst habit?
"I have a terrible habit of referring to myself as 'we', like the Queen. I'm pretty sure it drives my friends and family mad."
What is your favourite cheese?
"I'm a blue cheese fan. I love the strong flavours. I also enjoy a grilled goat's cheese, covered in a tomato and basil sauce."
You are playing 'Come Dine With Me' with three famous figures. Who do you choose (they can be alive or dead) and what would you cook them?
"I love cooking, so this would be a great treat even though I'd choose three guests who are no longer with us. I'd relish questioning historical figures so I'd invite Jesus Christ, for his influence on the world, Aristotle, because without his science the world would be a very different place, and for entertainment purposes, I'd ask Houdini along too. My menu would be cured salmon with beetroot, sour cream and chives, followed by Beef Wellington, and topped off with a rich dark chocolate mousse. What an evening we would have!"
