Rio 2016 One To Watch: Julie Rogers

March 11, 2024

It hardly seems a few months since London 2012, but Rio is looming large. So with the momentum from our home games still going strong we’re expecting great interest in the team of hopefuls heading to Rio 2016. Our first profile of one to watch is Paralympian Julie Rogers.

At just 13 years old, Julie Rogers was one of the youngest members of Team GB in London 2012. Competing in the sitting volleyball team that hit the headlines, she got a taste of elite competition, but with funding cut for the team, Julie has turned her attention to the track.

Background
Julie was born without the tibia and fibula in her right leg and had to undergo two amputation procedures so she could be fitted with an advanced prosthesis. However growing up in a sporty family meant that she was encouraged to be active from an early age.

Having tried a number of sports including swimming, wheelchair basketball and gymnastics, Julie found sitting volleyball in 2010 and very quickly established herself as a strong player. The experience of playing in London was something she will never forget and despite not coming away with a medal, it has given her the appetite for more.

Watch Julie and Martine Wright explain the rules of sitting volleyball

Rio 2016 and beyond
So with funding cut, Julie has switched her attention to the track and with a PB of 17.40 for the 100m, is already showing promise for Rio. So much so that she has already been the subject of a CBBC documentary (below right), and with age on her side Julie is definitely a star of the future with a realistic aim of medalling at Tokyo 2020 and beyond.

Pic credit: CBBC Race for Rio

It’s not all plain sailing though, Julie has to fit training in around school as she sits her GCSE’s this summer. She’s also still growing which affects how well her prosthetic limb fits and means an upgrade every six months or so to ensure a perfect fit.

Luckily support from Pace rehabilitation means that she has access to the very best technology available and this along with coaching from Allen Adamson and expertise from Prosthetist Jamie Gillespie means she’s well on her way to making the world top 10 whilst still a junior.

Photo credit: Peter Milsom

Factfile:

Name: Julie Rogers
Sport: T42 100m
Age: 16
PB: 17.40
World Record: 15.18 Martina Caironi, Italy
Website: www.julierogerst42.com
Twitter: @JulieeRogerss
Management: www.17management.com

Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

athletics Paralympics

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