Harrison is the only Hawke's Bay competitor in the team of four. Auckland T44 100m/200m sprinter Anna Steven, Wellington T37 100m/200m sprinter and Palmerston North F20 shot putter Jack Lewer are the others. All athletes are classified before the championships start with the smaller the numeral the higher the degree of disability.
"I think I will stay the same. From what I've seen of the other athletes overseas I'm the worst one in my division," said Harrison, who has cerebral palsy.
"I'll only be running in the 800m and while I still don't know the exact numbers it's likely I'll be one of eight starters so it will only be one race. I definitely want a podium finish and if everything goes to plan and I get the win it will be a world record as this will be the first junior worlds. Organisers want to hold the championships every two years but once again numbers will dictate," Harrison said.
His personal best time is 2m47s and the world record for open para competitors is 2m29s.
"I can't wait to run against other athletes like me. Most of the time here in New Zealand I run against open competitors apart from at the New Zealand Secondary School champs and the March open nationals where there are other para athletes in action," Harrison said.
A 10.1 handicapper at golf, Harrison, who had the honour of caddying for former British Open Champion Sir Bob Charles when he played at his Napier club in January, took up athletics seven years ago. Up until March he was coached by one of Hawke's Bay's most successful age group mentors Mick Cull who has since retired.
Since then he has been coached by national race walking champion Laura Langley who has been in training squads with Harrison in the past.
"Guy trains amazingly. It's easy to coach him because he works so hard," Langley said.
Harrison has four running sessions each week which can range from 30 minutes to 90 depending on the season. He also has swimming and gym work outs with massage and physio sessions part of the gym visits.
"I make sure I have one round of golf each week which is a good break from the athletics. I've got NCEA commitments too so it's a case of getting the balance right," Harrison said.
"A lot of the top athletes go and train overseas during our winter. But we've had to stay here and train so simulating the conditions we expect to get in Switzerland has been part of my training."
The Kiwi contingent will compete in Brisbane on their way to Switzerland. Harrison expects the Brisbane temperatures to be similar to what they will be greeted with in Nottwil.
His father Keith and grandmother Raewyn Harrison will be among the spectators in Brisbane and Nottwil.
■ A golf tournament to help raise funds for Harrison's campaign will be played at the Napier Golf Club on July 16. It will be an 18-hole stableford competition with gross and net prizes up for grabs.
Players will be divided into men's senior and junior and women's open divisions. The $30 entry fee will cover a light meal and prizes.
Anybody wanting to play can contact Guy on 0273642614, his father Keith on 0273214433 or David Lawrence on 0276777905.
