Kurt Fearnley is all but certain this year’s Games in Rio de Janeiro will be his last Paralympics.

And, like most athletes nearing their last hurrah, he is not taking a conservative approach to his preparation.

“I don’t have the opportunity to wait another four years,” Fearnley said.

“If I can’t draw motivation out of that, I’d be struggling.”

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The wheelchair athlete has been given the honour of being Australia’s Paralympic team co-captain, a role he will share with table tennis player Daniela di Toro.

At age 34, he is desperate to add to his tally of three gold medals when he competes in the 1500 metres, 5000m and marathon events at his fifth Games in September.

“I know I’m not going to get another chance,” he said.

“I’m going there to hopefully see my flag raised.”

He has previously taken out gold in the marathon and 5000m in Athens, and the marathon in Beijing.

Fearnley has more than 30 marathon wins to his name, including the New York, London and Chicago marathons multiple times, and has even conquered the Kokoda track.

He will use his own experiences to give him perspective as captain.

“I know I have benefited from the advice and the calm reception of the guys who have done it before,” he said.

He does not believe the added responsibility will get the better of him either, but make him stronger.

“When you’re around younger athletes who have the passion, who may have hesitation in what they do, if you’re able to play a part in making them a better athlete on the day, then I can’t use that except as a positive,” he said.

For five-time Paralympian Di Toro, the story is somewhat different.

She goes into the games as a rookie at para-table tennis after switching a year ago from wheelchair tennis, in which she had competed in five Paralympics.

She realises she might not make an impact at Rio, but is looking at the bigger picture.

“It’s going to be a really good opportunity to watch the best table tennis players in the world and learn as much as I can,” di Toro said.

“By Tokyo, I might have a bit of a clue.”

Paralympic chef de mission Kate McLoughin said experience was a key factor in handing the pair the leadership.

“These two are universally loved and liked by the entire athlete cohort,” McLoughin said.

-AAP