DETERMINED Joe Allen has switched his focus as he bids to take his first steps to Rio 2016.

The Bridport athlete, who was crowned national para duathlon champion earlier this year, was set to take part in the British Paratriathlon Championships in Llanelli this weekend.

But after coming down with a recent bout of illness, the Paralympic hopeful has decided, with the advice of his coach, to turn his attentions to an event at Eton Dorney next month.

He said: “It’s a bit unfortunate. I had an illness until a few weeks ago so we have had to postpone my next event until late June instead.

“You just have to take it in your stride. The flu lasted a couple of weeks but we wanted to come on to the scene with a strong performance and we wouldn’t have been able to do that in Wales.

“We were always on a tight schedule because we only found out quite late about the race. That’s probably what caused the illness because we were pushing a bit too hard.

“Rio is still around 500 days away and we have to think long term instead of short term. It seems like the more logical decision to protect my welfare as well.”

Meanwhile, Allen, who will now compete in other domestic races to showcase his potential, wished to thank the community for helping him in his ongoing quest to raise funds for a specially adapted time trial bike, especially the Terry Collin Fund, who have pledged £1,000 towards the cause.

  • You can still sponsor the West Dorset athlete by visiting crowdfunder.co.uk/paralympic-dream