AS an athlete, in any chosen field of dreams, there is something we will always be able to achieve. Former Gateshead Academy student, Stephanie Moore is aiming for Rio and the 2016 Paralympics.

Having been diagnosed with learning and language disabilities with secondary autism as a four-year-old Moore and her family have stopped at nothing to get the aspiring athlete noticed.

On numerous occasions they have contacted Premier League clubs for support, but to no avail.

“The only club I’ve ever had a response from was Manchester United which is disappointing really,” said Stephanie’s father, Richard.

Despite those knockbacks the 19-year-old has carried on regardless and, with a training schedule which encompasses five sessions per week, she’s certainly putting in the hard yards.

The only differences over the past 12 months is that she is now doing 400m, and, when she appears in January, will have stepped up to the U23 level. In doing the classification system is dropped which accompanies disabled athletes.

“Stephanie’s first competition at U23’s will be in Sheffield in mid-January,” continued her dad.

“It’ll also be her first official outing as a full senior where she’ll be competing with other adults and non-disabled athletes. This means that the points system that comes with her T20 classification, which at times has been a hindrance, is removed and results are based on timings alone.”

Stephanie fell into the athletics arena just over three years ago when a chlorine allergy curtailed her previous interest of swimming. The Moores were then contacted by Liz Neale and invited for trials at MENCAP England in Sheffield.

Her debut season on the track would see a then 16-year-old newcomer storm to victory, becoming the U17 MENCAP champion at both 100m and 200m, followed up with gold at the UK School Games multi-disability long jump where she would set a lifetime best.

Over the ensuing years, she has progressed to European and World medallist as well as becoming the U20 MENCAP champion for two consecutive seasons (2012 and 2013).

Having left college in June this year, gaining qualifications at BTEC Level 2 & 3 in Sport, the next step is the Team GB Paralympics squad for Rio, which is where the much-needed funding to support possible progression is required.

Richard added: “Paula Dunn will sit down and look at the athletics team potentials, not just their track times but also their abilities to succeed in Rio at the Games.

“Success there alone will guarantee funds but we need to get there and that means lots of training and competitions. Stephanie will hopefully be appearing in Gateshead, Manchester, Birmingham and Sheffield during the first half of 2015.

“Any sponsorship therefore will go towards all the costs of being an up and coming, successful athlete – aiding progression, equipment, travel and accommodation, nutrition requirements, it’s endless but, I’m sure we’ll get there.”

To follow Stephanie’s progress, visit her Facebook page ‘Support Moore on the Road to Rio 2016’.