Olympics and Paralympics / paralympics
Paralympics hopefuls from Bristol
The Paralympics opening ceremony got off to a flying start on Wednesday with para-athletes parading along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
Following the roller coaster of emotions of the Paris Olympics, it is time to embrace the excitement of Paralympics in all its kaleidoscopic beauty.
Representing Team GB, a strong contingent of 215 athletes will participate at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in 19 sports.
is needed now More than ever
One of the flag bearers for Team GB was West Country’s own Lucy Shuker from Taunton competing in wheelchair tennis.
But who are the Bristol sporting heroes to watch out for?
Sally Kidson: Boccia
Kidson is making her Paralympic debut in boccia, a sport similar to bowls which was introduced to the Paralympics in 1984 – photo: Team GB
Sally, who begins her studies in Music at Bristol this September, will contend in the individual competition, which starts on Thursday 29 August, and the pair categories, alongside Will Arnott.
Kidson is making her Paralympic debut in boccia, a sport similar to bowls which was introduced to the Paralympics in 1984, in the BC3 classification.
Her sporting journey began with PE lessons at her school. She began to compete competitively just before the pandemic.
She said: “This is only my second full international season, I am an absolute newbie on the international boccia stage.”
“I first started playing boccia at my secondary school in PE lessons. I started to play competitively in 2019 before the pandemic. I then made my international debut in 2022.”
She does not consider her age to be an impediment where most of her competitors are much older than her Despite her youth, Sally is approaching the Games with a mature perspective. She added: “The most frequent piece of advice I get given is to just enjoy the experience, and so that’s what I fully intend on doing.”
“A minuscule percentage of the population get to experience competing at the Paralympic Games and I didn’t expect to be qualifying for one so soon. I also feel very lucky that my family are able to come out and watch.”
Kidson has recently beaten the world number 1 and 2, said: “Obviously I would love to come home with a medal but the aim for me is to go and continue the positive momentum I’ve kicked off over the last couple of months.”
Michael Taylor: Triaging and Triathlon
Taylor’s path to the Paralympics began after a life-changing injury, which led him to discover triathlon – photo: Michael Taylor
Taylor, who is pursuing a medical degree at Bristol, is set to compete in the triathlon on Sunday, September 1.
His path to the Paralympics began after a life-changing injury, which led him to discover triathlon while watching the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games during his recovery.
Taylor said: “I saw a triathlon and I thought that looked like a good, fun thing to do. Both my medical and triathlon training represent mental and physical challenges. Both were goals I set myself after my injury, something to work towards. I’ve got two years left of my medical degree and I’d like to specialise in radiology or anaesthetics.”
“I think the good thing about triathlon is you get outside a lot. It’s quite a social sport. You can make time to go and have bike rides and runs with friends, which makes it a lot more fun. I think I feel a lot fitter and you know, I’m feeling in good form.”
Unlike in Tokyo, Michael will compete in front of a large crowd of family and friends. He added: “Even though this is my second Games I didn’t really feel like I had the real experience last time with the pandemic. I’m looking forward to seeing all their faces when I get to the finish line.”
Dan Bethell: Badminton
Bethell, who won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, is hoping to go one better in Paris – photo: Team GB
Dan Bethell, a University of Bristol law Graduate will be competing in badminton’s SL3 classification, starting on Thursday August 29.
Bethell, who won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, is hoping to go one better in Paris. His rivalry with gold medallist Pramod Bhagat has been well documented.
Unlike in Tokyo games, Bethell will be competing in front of his family and friends.
Main photo: Team GB
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