Video: The UK’s number one quad category wheelchair tennis player on Sports Week
The UK’s top wheelchair tennis player is hoping to go from spectator to player as he prepares for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
James Shaw is the top UK player in the quad category, which is for those who have an impairment affecting their playing arm as well as their legs, as he has cerebral palsy.
He is hoping to go from being a spectator at Rio 2016 to being a part of the Team GB legacy at Tokyo 2020.
Speaking on Sports Week, James said: “Competing at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics is my main aim.
“On a day-to-day basis though I try to forget about that and focus on the little things I need to improve on or things I could do better.
“It’s in the back of my mind all the time though as that’s what I’ve dreamt about for years, it is hard to switch off from that!”
Video: James Shaw in action in Nottingham
James said that having to watch the action in Rio made him want to pursue the Paralympic dream even more.
He said: “When I went out to Rio, it made me realise how much I’d given up and everything that I’ve done is the right decision.
“I went to university initially and thought I could do both that and tennis at the same time but I knew that my tennis was starting to suffer; I was still improving but I’m a bit of a perfectionist and didn’t want to let that slip.
“I quit and put all my efforts into this and that’s paid off so far.
“It would be a dream come true to go to Tokyo, represent Team GB and win a medal.”
For more from James, watch the January 25 episode of Sports Week on Notts TV at 7.30pm, or see our catch up service.
