Paralympic, World and European F44 Discus champion
Image courtesy of Mark Shearman
Dan Greaves has medalled at all six Paralympic Games at which he has competed, making him the only British track and field athlete to medal at six consecutive Games. He won gold at Athens 2004 where he set a new world record, as well as silver medals at Sydney 2000 and London 2012, and bronze medals at Beijing 2008, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Alongside his haul of Paralympic medals, Dan holds four World Championship medals. At the World Athletics Championships in New Zealand in 2011 he broke the world record with a throw of 59.98m. He claimed gold at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and finished on the podium at European Championships with F64 discus gold at Berlin 2018 and silver at Bydgoszcz 2021.
Greaves took up athletics at age 14 in Loughborough. In 2001 he became the first Paralympian to represent Great Britain in an able-bodied event with selection for the GB Junior Team.
Dan’s Memories of English Schools Championships:
I absolutely loved competing for my county Leicestershire. I went to three English Schools’ and came 3rd in my final senior year. Picking up a medal was just an amazing experience having finished 4th and 8th at my previous two.
It isn’t just about medalling at the champs, yes that is nice, but my favourite part of the English Schools’ experience was going away for a few days with new friends I made on the team. It was all new to me leaving home for four days and it helped me as I’d have to fend for myself and that is a great learning curve.
Getting the Leicestershire kit felt amazing and made us all feel special, we had a sense of identity and togetherness. It was really special as it meant so much to represent where I lived.
I can always remember the atmosphere at my first champs was so good. Everyone got behind everyone that was competing and the positivity through the team willing you to do well meant everyone had a great time but also performed much better. It is still to this day one of my favourite athletics events.
Dan’s advice to English Schools’ competitors:
Have fun, enjoy these moments as they will stay with you forever. Make loads of friends and just do your best. I only medalled once in my time but still went on to represent GB at a Junior and senior level. Your performance at the English Schools’ won’t define you. Enjoy the moment and use the thrill of the competition to help you perform.
For more information about the England Athletics Talent Pathways, including Youth and Paralympic pathways, and for information about the Amateur Athletic Association Charity for the Young funding opportunities, use the links below