However, to achieve this goal Castle, 38, from Hallidays Point, needs a good result at the World Triathlon Championship grand final in Chicago in September.

He'll be a member of the Australian open paratriathlon team. The triathlon will be a 700m swim, 20km bike and 5km run. Castle will race in the PT4 division.

"That's for the most able competitors,'' he explained,

"I'll be up against people who might be missing a pinkie or something.''

Castle gained a spot in the Australian team following the national championships held in Redcliffe last March where he finished in a time officials said would be competitive in Chicago.

But Castle is determined to be more than competitive.

"I want to win a medal,'' he said.

The father of four sustained a severe brain injury from a workplace accident five years ago. Then 2 years ago he had a stroke as a consequence of brain surgery. The left side of his body was paralysed.

Before the injury Castle had been a keen surfer although he had no real interest in triathlons

"I was always pretty fit,'' he said.

He took up training for a triathlon as a form of rehabilitation after the stroke.

"My wife, Julie, suggested it actually,'' he said.

Gradually his strength built up and his mobility increased. In November he entered his first triathlon. He's now competed in events at Port Stephens, Crowdy Head and Forster along with the nationals.

Castle has recruited the highly regarded coach Mario Schmacher to oversee his preparation for Chicago.

"I'm training seven days a week - I only get Monday mornings off,'' Castle said.

The run is his strongest leg and he's been told he has a good running technique. In a time trial with the Forster Tri Club recently he clocked 4km in 15m 47.

"I'm going to need a time around that to win a medal,'' he said.

However, he admits he needs to work on him swimming.

"Since the stroke I favour my right hand side,'' he said.

"That's something I'll have fix.''

A strong performance at Chicago could result in Castle coming in contention for a place in the Australian side for next year's Paralympics.

"If I clock a good time I'll go into a camp in Canberra,'' he explained.

Here he'll have the opportunity to impress selectors and force his way into the squad.

Castle will arrive in Chicago on September 14. The race will be on September 20.

He's going for sure. However, Castle still has to raise a further $20,000. He's received some local backing, including support from Saxby's Soft Drinks and Bourke's Bicycles while there'll be a fund raising night at Black Head Surf Club on July 20.

Castle can be contacted on 0420 390 662 for further details.