Ipswich and District Athletics Club competitor Claire Keefer will represent Australia at the Rio Paralympic Games.

ATHLETE Claire Keefer had to wait four years longer than hoped but will now get the chance to compete at the Paralympics.

The Toowoomba-based athlete who trains regularly in Ipswich was this week confirmed as a member of the Australian athletics team to compete at Rio de Janeiro next month.

The Ipswich and District Athletics Club member will make her debut at the Rio Paralympics from September 7-18.

The shotput and discus thrower looked capable of doing that four years ago in London only for an age restriction setting the youngest a competitor could be to block her hopes.

Not that she is disappointed about that now.

“There were age restrictions four years ago for London.  I was 16,” she said.

“But looking back now, I am glad I am going now instead of back then because I feel like I’m more prepared and mentally stable for this.”

Keefer trains with Ipswich club coach Mick Moore.

She has her sights set on a medal in the F41 short stature classification.

“I have a good chance in medalling for shot.  Discus, I’ll be happy with top four,” she said.

The 21-year-old will head to the United States later this month for a training camp in Florida before heading to Rio in time for the opening ceremony on September 7.