Turner Eyes New Territory Ahead of Major Championships

In a year featuring both the World Para Athletics Championships and Paralympic Games, it comes as no surprise that James Turner is planning a golden campaign on the world stage, but the sprinter is more interested in building his legacy than his medal collection.

While many of the narratives in 2024 will surround Turner chasing the one title he has never won, the Paralympic 100m T36 crown, the proud owner nine global gold medals and a dominant major championship record reveals what keeps him ticking.

“Can I do better? What’s the best I can do? I’m going out there to show the best possible things that people with my disability [cerebral palsy] can do. I want to break barriers, get out there and set the standard,” Turner says.

“I think holding myself to such a standard is why I can do so well. If you stop chasing something, you will no longer have success. You always have to push yourself further.”

Two weeks out from the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan where he will contest the 400m T36, an event he has won three times at the World Championships (2017, 2019, 2023) and once at the Paralympic Games (2021), Turner has his sights set on improving his world record of 51.71 seconds before adding the 100m T36 to his program in Paris.

“I think I’m coming towards the golden years, or maybe coming out of them, who knows! I’m probably at my best at the moment and I’m feeling really good ahead of Kobe and Paris,” Turner says.

“I would like to go low-51 seconds for the 400m, and under 11.70 for the 100m. No one else in my class has gone close to that, and I want to be the one.”

Working under the guidance of longtime coach Iryna Dvoskina, the Canberra product has developed a world-leading resume in the presence of fellow Paralympic champions Evan O’Hanlon, Vanessa Low and Scott Reardon since his move to the nation’s capital in 2018.

“Working with Iryna is amazing. She can look at me, see how I’m running and know how to set the program and exactly how fast I will run at upcoming competitions. She knows if I need to stretch a certain muscle or need to see the physio, she just has such an eye for it. It’s hard to imagine working with anyone else,” Turner says.

As for the thought of that 100m T36 Paralympic showdown in Paris after being forced to settle for silver in Tokyo, every day is one step closer for Tunrer:

“Winning would be a relief. A lot of work has gone into it from a lot of people. At this point, winning is the standard and setting the world record is the goal.”

The 2024 World Para Athletics Championships will be held in Kobe, Japan from May 17-25, with Turner set to compete in the 400m T36 and the full Australian team available HERE.

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 3/5/2024