A Glimpse Into the Life of a Dynamic Wheelchair Tennis Champion
by Gemma Delaney

Inception of a Tennis Legend

There’s something incredibly riveting about the tale of a professional athlete who discovers their passion at an early age. Our hero, rooted deeply in the heart of West Midlands, first felt the allure of the tennis racquet when she was just three. Sitting in her wheelchair – a constant companion since birth due to brittle bone disease – she watched her father, a Paralympics athletics medallist, compete at a tennis tournament in Israel. Though her swing attracted attention, it was her talent and resolve that led her to develop under the guidance of a tennis association.

Ace the Routine

Being a brilliant athlete involves much more than just natural talent. Rigorous strength sessions, shoulder care, and cardio make up a significant component of our champion’s training routine. From working with dumbbells and cable machines to honing her speed on the court with timed intervals, it’s clear that no stone is left unturned in her pursuit of excellence.

On-Court Aspirations & Rivalries

Our protagonist not just one half of a formidable duo, but a potent individual competitor as well. Her goals are set high and clear: she aims to clinch not only the singles but also the doubles title at the prestigious annual tennis event. Her dream? To stand atop the singles podium in the Paralympic Games. But her path to achieving these goals includes fierce rivalries and confronting unforeseen circumstances, particularly relating to Covid.

Life Off Court

When she’s not on court, our protagonist relishes the joys of simple pleasures. From baking with her son to utilizing her qualification as a mortgage advisor, her life is as diverse as it is fulfilling. While the wheelchair is her constant companion in public, at home, it’s a different story – reinforcing the indomitable spirit that has helped her overcome personal and professional challenges.

Navigating Nutrition

With the guidance of a team nutritionist, our champion has been making some impressive progress. In the past six months, she’s managed to shed a whopping 4kg and aims to lose another three. By making well-informed dietary choices, she is giving her an edge on her performance while still indulging in her favorite treats from time to time.

Bouncing Back After Motherhood

Following the birth of her son, our protagonist faced a challenging time. With two extra stone and 1.5 years away from the game, things were indeed difficult. However, a strong mindset coupled with a resilient spirit led her to win the Daegu Open Women’s Singles title proving what she could achieve.

A Parade of Achievements

An impressive collection of 17 singles and 42 doubles titles dust our champion’s mantle. Her milestones include being a 12-time Grand Slam tennis champion and a double Paralympic medallist. In addition, at a tender age of 14, she claimed the honor of being Britain’s youngest ever national women’s singles champion. Add to that, along with her partner, she accomplished the remarkable feat of a calendar Grand Slam. Her relentless efforts and talent brought her the honor of receiving the MBE in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Wheelchair Tennis – A Quick Overview

Have you ever wondered about the rules of wheelchair tennis? The dimensions of the court, net height, balls, and racquets are akin to traditional tennis. However, some unique factors set it apart. For instance, players can let the ball bounce twice before returning it, and the server must start off stationary but is allowed one push of the wheelchair before striking the ball. They also lose a point if they fail to keep one buttock in contact with the wheelchair when hitting the ball.

Tennis, wheelchair, champion, Paralympic Games, fitness regime, healthy lifestyle, motherhood, inspiration, success