Entering his first Paralympic Games at London 2012, guide runner Carl Gustafson is determined to assist Gerrard Gosens on achieving his best.

Building on a fitness base ground in his earlier days as a triathlete, Carl has raced in a series of 10km races in preparation for London 2012. He looks to be in good shape too, highlighted by his eighth place finish in the 2011 Bridge to Brisbane run. Coached by Bruce Jones for the past four years, Carl is based at the Toowong Harriers club.

While running is Carl’s prime focus, he also keeps himself active through gardening around his home in Brisbane. Having bought a house two years ago, he has dedicated a high degree of manual labour on ensuring his homestead is in pristine shape. Similarly to athletic aspirations, Carl enjoys the challenge of completion and achievement when he’s working in the garden.

Not only content on staying in shape himself, Carl is a passionate advocate of maintaining fitness and health. As a physical education teacher at Karumba State High, Carl works hard to motivate his students to lead a healthy lifestyle.