An independent film capturing the life story of one of our very best medal hopes for the London 2012 Games is to be screened at the 2^nd Leicester Documentary Film Festival taking place at the Phoenix Square Film and Digital Arts Centre in Leicester this weekend.

BEN – a film by Loughborough University academic Dr John Edwards; follows the story of sprinter Ben Rushgrove who won a silver medal in the T36 100 metres at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, just three weeks after breaking his foot.

Not only was the film shot and produced by a Loughborough academic, the documentary also demonstrates how the University's Sport Technology Institute has played a role in supporting Ben through his injury ravaged career.

Ben was born with cerebral palsy and his parents were informed by doctors that he may never be able to walk. But Ben has managed to defy the odds not only in battling his disability, but also developing into a world class athlete.

The film charts Ben's life and features an insight through moving interviews with his parents Alison and David. On the track the film goes behind the scenes at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games and the 2011 IPC World Championships in New Zealand.

But the film also illustrates how the University's Sports Technology Institute supported Ben, by developing footwear that sought to help him avoid persistent foot injuries that were hampering his development.

Ben was assessed through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded "Elite to High Street (E2HS)" research grant, that is breaking new ground in developing high performance sports footwear, optimised for individual users.

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The E2HS programme comprises a multidisciplinary team of researchers that are working at the cutting edge of sports technology, additive manufacturing, industrial design and ergonomics.

Professor Mike Caine, Director of the Sports Technology Institute said: "The technologies being developed by the research group may contribute to the UK's medal winning prospects in the London 2012 Games, however the longer-term goal is to bring personalised athletic footwear to the high street.

"In the case of Ben Rushgrove the team were able to explore how to use personalised running shoes to support Ben's feet more effectively when subjected to the impact forces of sprinting. What we learnt from working with Ben has enabled us to better understand the potential benefits of this emerging technology."

The Director of the film, Dr John Edwards, first met with Ben at Loughborough during a visit to the Sports Technology Institute following his performance in Beijing.

Speaking about the film, Dr John Edwards said: "It's been a great privilege to work with such an inspirational athlete and to gain a unique insight into his life. I hope the film sheds light just what it takes to become a Paralympian. I want the world to know that, for these guys, training to achieve glory at London 2012 means battling hard every day on many fronts."

Speaking of the film, Ben Rushgrove said: "My hope is that the film will inspire people to find out more about the Paralympics, and show the hard work and commitment of the athletes involved. As you watch the film and my story, I hope it questions some of the prejudices and causes people to think about disability in a new way."

BEN is an independent film made by SightHound Production supported by Loughborough University, The University of Bath and Channel 4.

BEN will be shown in Screen 3 at 12pm on Sunday 22^nd January.

Find out more about the 2^nd Leicester Documentary Film Festival (20 – 22^nd Jan 2012)