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Raise Your Game: How did you first get involved in athletics?

Josie Pearson: I knew Michelle Daltrey, the disability sport advisor for South Wales. We met through wheelchair rugby, which I'd been doing for 18 months. She passed my number onto Anthony Hughes, the performance director at the FDSW, and he asked if I'd be interested in trying athletics. I went along and I've been here ever since. It's new to me but I'm really enjoying it. I was physically fit before I came here so I've progressed quickly.

RYG: What does it take to become a top athlete?

JP: You've got to want it. If you don't want it, then you're not going to put the extra training in and you're not going to get up that bit earlier. Those are the things you need to do if you want to be successful in sport, or in any aspect of life.

RYG: What have you learnt from competing in rugby and athletics?

JP: It's improved my day-to-day life in terms of my confidence. It's stimulating. I love sport, so it's all I want to do. I'm prepared to put the effort in and that's what makes the difference.

RYG: What have been the highlights of your sporting career so far?

JP: The first was getting selected for the Great Britain rugby squad. Second was being selected for the World Championships. I've gone from starting a sport to competing at the Worlds in three months. I don't know what to expect, competing at that level, and that's exciting.

RYG: Do you think everybody should participate in sport regardless of their ability?

JP: If you're interested in sport, no matter what ability you are, give it a go. It can benefit you physically and mentally. It's about what you put in. I've been able-bodied and a wheelchair user and sport has always benefited me.

RYG: What does a typical week's training involve?

JP: I do two to three rugby sessions a week, two weights sessions and about three in my racing chair. It's a full-time job.

RYG: Which athletes inspire you?

JP: Anybody that competes at the top level is inspirational. Being an athlete myself, I know how much work goes into it. The amount of hours you have to put in is phenomenal, whoever gets to that level must be inspiring. Hard work gets you where you want to be.

RYG: What are your goals and ambitions for the future?

JP: I want to get the gold in 2012. That's my ultimate goal.