While long jumper Dean Turner has been at the forefront of Australian Paralympic athletics for the past 14 years, he has no intention of slowing down. Focused on the London 2012 Games, Dean remains a man on a mission.

Born with an intellectual disability, Dean did not take long making his mark on the international athletics scene, winning bronze at the 1998 World Championships in Birmingham. At his hometown Paralympics in Sydney, Dean registered a credible performance in placing eighth in the long jump.

Dean has held the Australian records in both the long jump and triple jump, breaking the latter at the 2009 Global Games. The Sydney resident has also been a formidable presence at the National Championships and it again rung true at the 2011 event with Dean winning silver in the long jump.

Dean has lapped up every minute of the travelling experience gained through his status as an Australian athlete. Having represented his nation since 1998, Dean has toured far and wide in the name of competition, particularly enjoying trips to America. He was left red faced, however, on a trip to Fiji when he walked into the wrong hotel cabin and woke up the staying occupants.

If he’s not training, travelling or competing, Dean likes swimming, going to the beach and learning about cars. He also loves going out to the movies and especially enjoyed Tom Hanks’ classic, Forrest Gump. After laying it all on the line for the London 2012 Games, Dean plans to continue competing in Masters athletic events.