Throwing frame for Derek

Derek lost his legs in 2007 when the Landrover he was travelling in in Afghanistan was blown up by an anti-tank mine. But 15 months later, he was picked as one of six members of the British armed forces to develop their sporting potential at a training camp in California. Derek was chosen not only for his sporting potential but for his strong mental attitude.

In 2011, Remap were asked by Battle Back to make a throwing frame for Derek to assist him in throwing the discus. The project was taken on by the South Bucks panel. Working with Derek’s trainer, Alison O’Riordan, the panel designed a frame to comply with the rules and at the same time maximise his throwing potential. A key feature was footplates so that Derek’s prosthetic legs could be anchored. The frame was made of aluminium for strength and lightness, weight being important for Derek because he was by now regularly competing abroad, and needed to be able to transport the frame easily.

The frame has worked very well for Derek, who is delighted with it and its impact on the distance he can throw. In June 2012, he competed in the European Games in Holland, and, using his Remap frame, won the gold medal. Since this project for Derek, Remap has tackled many more sports projects, especially for throwers of discus, javelin, shot and clubs, with great success.

Note that the design of frame shown here no longer complies with IPC regulations. Standard frames that do comply are available through Sport England and other similar bodies.