by David Gavrilovic

Harris shows his strength to pin down his opponent

Many athletes dream of qualifying for the Paralympics and getting that one chance to face the best in the world on the grandest stage of all.

What makes Darren Harris unusual is that he qualified to compete in Beijing 2008 in not one but two sports.

The 35-year-old has been a key figure for the England blind five-a-side football team for many years and even captained the side on a number of occasions but he chose to give that all up to make his Paralympic debut in the judo event.

"I would loved to have done both but I was told that wasn't going to be possible. I had done the footy for such a long time and had given it my all, I wanted a new challenge and to do something different," he told BBC Sport.

"This is my opportunity to make it happen in an individual sport. I will know if I don't win a medal then it's down to me and not the team."

Harris starred in last year's match that resulted in the Great Britain blind football team qualifying for the Paralympics, scoring both goals in the side's 2-1 win over France to reach the European Championship final and book their place in Beijing.

"It was great scoring the winning goal in that game," he said. "We had been two goals up before France pulled one back late in the game.

"It was a bit of a panic for the last five minutes but we hung on and we deserved it. It finished on a high for me and for the team.

"However, at that stage I still didn't know if I had qualified for the judo in Beijing. I thought I had done enough but wasn't sure so I was playing in the Europeans knowing it might be my last competition and I was concentrating on keeping focus and giving it my best.

Harris enjoyed a successful time with the England blind football team

"I thought I had a bad tournament at the World Championships in Argentina in 2006 so I was desperate to go out on a high and I trained really hard to make sure that could happen."

Ranked number two in Europe and number nine in the world in the 66kg category, Harris secured his Paralympic judo qualification and opted to compete in that and so retired from football.

The Wolverhampton-born competitor only took up judo eight years ago and he will be hoping his lack of experience will not be too much of a disadvantage.

"My aim is to do my best, I haven't set myself any target above that," he stated.

"I've been training well and really hard and I feel I haven't left any stone unturned. I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself and I'll go out there and do my best. I will hopefully get a medal but what will be will be."

His event takes place on the opening day of competition on 7 September. It means he will be free to watch his former football team-mates bid for Paralympic glory in their competition, which starts the same day and runs until 17 September.

"As I finish my event so early I'll be done and dusted by the start of the football. I'll definitely be there watching and cheering on the lads. I might even bring a spare pair of football boots just in case!" he joked.