Cockroft embracing development year ahead of Tokyo push

With five Paralympic gold medals, ten world titles and two European crowns to her name, many would forgive the all-conquering Hannah Cockroft from taking a well-earned rest this year.

But although the 25-year-old admits she may not repeat the highs of 2017 and winning three world titles in front of a packed home crowd at the London stadium - she is still determined to push forward.

The only event of note in Cockroft’s diary this year are August’s European Championships, and with her attentions focused on loftier ambitions at the next Paralympic Games at Tokyo 2020, she is using 2018 to develop not just herself, but her sport as a whole.

“I don’t think you can follow up 2017 really,” said Cockroft.

“This year will be different for me. We’ve got the European Championships in August this year. Not the biggest event, not as big as a World Championship and I don’t have that much European competition so it is difficult to find the motivation to go out and train when it’s freezing and snowing.

“But I’ve just got to do it, it’s a stepping stone to Tokyo 2020.

“Develop myself, for the future, and just really work on the things that maybe sometimes get ignored when you’re focussing on the big event - look at the bigger picture a bit more.”

Cockroft not only wants to develop her own racing but also the research and design process that goes into designing her equipment, as well as pushing for the rights of disabled people both in and out of sport.

And even with the pedigree she already holds both on and off the track - Cockroft is determined not to slow down in her bid for perfection.

“My start is absolutely dire, so I definitely need to do some work on that,” she added.

“And then there are some things on the chair that need to be evolved. Our chairs haven’t really changed for 20 years so research into that could make everyone in the field a lot faster.

“There are things I’m looking into now to try and get the support there to change those bits - and this is the year to do it, when I’ve got a bit more time.

“As one of the bigger profile athletes in our sport, I kind of do see it as a responsibility for those that aren’t in the public eye.

“If us, in the public eye, aren’t shouting about the things that need to change - not just in sport but in general for disabled people, then nothing ever is going to change.

“Unfortunately people don’t listen to people lower down the ladder, those whose faces aren’t in the media

“I do see it as a responsibility and I do want to help the sport progress.”