TODAY (Thursday) marks 1000 days until the start of the Paralympic Games in London and, as Scotland's world champion rower Dave Smith knows, there is still time to become a Paralympic gold medalist in front of a home crowd in 2012.

The Dunfermline athlete is a current world champ in adaptive rowing and a great example of how athletes can progress through the ranks quickly.

A former member of the GB bobsleigh team, Dave has a fused ankle which limited his development in that sport.

He was originally identified as a potential rower through a ParalympicsGB talent initiative.

An impressive ergo test on this initiative amazed GB rowing coaches, who encouraged him to start the sport.

Dave joined the GB rowing team early this year and became a world champion soon after.

His case is particularly interesting because his fused ankle is a 'minimal disability', and, in fact, most people wouldn't realise he has a disability at all.

With time ticking down until the opening ceremony begins, athletes with an impairment have never had a better chance to put themselves forward for a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk into the Olympic Stadium at Stratford as part of the ParalympicsGB team.

Dave (31) said, "Just a year ago I was still competing in bobsleigh.

"The switch to Paralympic rowing was a challenge for me but I'm improving all the time.

"I was delighted to become a world champion in my first season and am completely focused on achieving success in 2012.

"I think my story demonstrates that with the right coaching and determination anything is possible.

" I hope other athletes in a similar position to me will grab their 2012 opportunity."