NEWPORT sprinter Kate Arnold insists it will be non-stop training in the coming months as she bids to live her Paralympic Games dream four years earlier than planned.

The 20-year-old, who switched from swimming to athletics less than 12 months ago, is part of the World Class Development programme aimed at producing the next generation of Paralympic champions in time for London 2012.

But after spending the past two weeks in South Africa as part of a UKA Training Camp for the Norwich Union GB & NI Team alongside the likes of world champion Christine Ohuruogu and Newport sprinter Christian Malcolm - the Rhiwderin-born star has set her sights on reaching this summer's Beijing Games.

"It is great fun being out here and having the warm weather to train in is a huge help," said Arnold. "It has been a fantastic experience.

"The weather and the facilities make you feel good about yourself and that makes you train that little bit harder.

"I will be out here for three weeks in all and even though I have a week to go there has already been an improvement.

"2007 was a good year and that's given me a lot of confidence heading towards this year.

"2012 has always been my main target but this year I'm going to push hard for Beijing and I'm confident I will make it.

"I've been thinking about wearing the GB vest and that would mean a huge amount.

"But there's a lot of hard work to do in training before I can turn my attentions to racing."

Arnold, who made the bold decision to end her blossoming swimming career last season, made an instant impact in the sprinting arena with a sixth-place finish in both the 100m and 200m at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Games in Japan last September.

"Changing from the pool to the track was a big change but I feel it will be worth it and I'm heading in the right direction," she added.

"I'd been swimming for such a long time that I needed the change without giving up sport.

"There's a lot less training and it's a bit more flexible - you obviously don't need a pool! - It's more social training and being around the other athletes at training is great."

Norwich Union is the team behind UK Athletics and are proud to support the Norwich Union GB & NI Team.

To play your part for athletics in your area visit www.joinourteam.com