A north Jefferson County native is again representing the area in one of the most elite sporting events in the world.

Josh Roberts of Morris is in London right now competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. He has qualified to race in the men’s 100, 200, 400 and 800 meter races.

Roberts is becoming a seasoned competitor at the  quadrennial event. In 2008, he competed in the Beijing Games, after training seriously for only a year and a half.

Roberts has been a paraplegic since a 2002 car accident. Roberts’ father, Jimmy Roberts, said Tuesday that his son spends most of his time at the Lakeshore Foundation, training.

“He trains all year long for four years to get ready for (the Paralympics),” said Jimmy Roberts. “I love it. If that’s what he wants to do, I’m behind him 100 percent. I’m proud of him.”

Josh Roberts has plenty of moral support with him in London. His mother, Lynn Roberts, is there, along with his brother and two sisters.

Jimmy Roberts had talked to his daughter recently, who said that Josh was impressed with his competition in London.

“He told her, ‘These guys are fast,’” Jimmy Roberts said.

Josh Roberts, who is 30, is independent. He had his accident when he was 20. He is paralyzed from the chest down and also has hand limitations. He began driving again several years ago, and he lives by himself in Homewood.

Although fairly new to the world of Paralympics — some Paralympians have been competing for many years — Roberts is doing well so far.

He placed sixth overall in the 100 meter race and fourth overall in the 400 meters.

The 800 meter race is Friday and the 200 meters is Saturday.

To follow the events, visit www.london2012.com/paralympics.