Three returning Paralympians and one trailblazing debutant will form ParalympicsGB’s badminton squad at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games this summer.
Dan Bethell, Krysten Coombs and Jack Shephard, who all featured when the sport made its Paralympic debut in Tokyo three years ago, have been selected alongside Rachel Choong who will make history when she becomes the first female athlete to represent ParalympicsGB in the sport.
World number one Bethell claimed ParalympicsGB’s first ever medal in the sport when he won silver in the SL3 men’s singles at the rescheduled Tokyo Games in 2021, with Coombs earning bronze in the SH6 men’s singles.
“To be heading to another Paralympic Games is hugely exciting,” said Dan Bethell.
“Winning silver in Tokyo was amazing but it remains my goal to become Paralympic champion. I don't feel like I've reached my full potential yet and I don't feel like I've peaked, so it's all about continuing to work hard, moving forward and getting those big results.”
Shephard joins Coombs (pictured below) in the SH6 men’s singles draw and this time will compete on two fronts. The 26-year-old from Chesterfield also joins forces with Liverpudlian Choong in the SH6 mixed doubles, an event which did not feature in the Tokyo programme. The pair currently sit top of the world rankings together.
SH6 women’s singles has also been added to the schedule and Britain will be represented by 10-time world champion Choong, who is currently ranked fourth in the world.
“I’m delighted to welcome Daniel, Jack and Krysten back to the ParalympicsGB team bound for Paris later this summer, and of course absolutely thrilled that Rachel now has the opportunity to showcase her amazing talent and character as the first female badminton player to represent ParalympicsGB,” said Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB’s Chef de Mission for Paris 2024.
“Our four athletes have all shown tremendous ability simply in securing their places in the team and I look forward to seeing what they can achieve at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.”
A total of around 230 athletes from 19 sports are expected to make up the British team that will compete in Paris from August 28 – September 8, with further names to be announced by ParalympicsGB in the next few weeks.
For further information visit https://www.paralympics.org.uk/
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