A PARALYMPIC gold medallist has told his extraordinary story to school children to inspire them to reach their full potential.

Runner Danny Crates, who lost his right arm in a car crash in 1994, visited Year Seven students at King Alfred’s School, in Portway, Wantage, on Wednesday, answering questions and encouraging the children to do the best they could.

He said: “I have worked with many people, helping them to achieve success in their lives, and whilst that work was valuable, what could be more effective than working with young people at the beginning of their educational journey?”

School leaders hope disabled sports stars can encourage youngsters to overcome adversity.

Last month, Paralympic skier Anna Turney talked to students at St Gregory the Great School in Cowley, Oxford, and judo Paralympian Ian Rose spoke to children at Wheatley Park School.

Jo Halliday, assistant headteacher at King Alfred’s, said: “The inspiration offered by our Olympians and Paralympians who strive to achieve their goal is incredibly powerful and can really reach out and touch young people today.”

Phil Lane, chief executive of ParalympicsGB said: “Many Paralympic athletes visit local schools or work within their local communities with the aim of educating and inspiring people about the Paralympic Games.

“I really hope that, through the work that we are doing at ParalympicsGB and the fantastic work of our athletes with their communities, we can encourage as many people as possible to support the British team in 2012.”

Mr Crates, 37, from Corringham in Essex, was a rising rugby star before the accident in Australia in 1994.

Yet he was determined to continue playing and became the only arm amputee playing club rugby in the country.

He then turned to athletics, making his international debut in 1998, running in the 400m.

He switched to the 800m, winning the 2003 World Indoor 800m title and European 800m outdoor titles.

In 2004 he set a new world outdoor record and became the 2004 Paralympic champion in Athens.

After injury forced him to retire from the international stage in 2009, Mr Crates took up motivational speaking.

He was at the school as part of the 21st Century Legacy scheme, a charity founded by Olympic gold medallist Dr David Hemery, aimed at inspiring youngsters through sport.