Q&A with Lucy Shuker: Paralympic Success Through Wheelchair Tennis
1 – Could You Share A Little Bit About Yourself?
My name is Lucy Shuker, and I am a Paralympic wheelchair tennis player. I began playing wheelchair tennis in 2002 after a motorbike accident in 2001 that resulted in me being paralysed from the chest down. I have gone on to represent Great Britain at three consecutive Paralympic Games: Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. Having won bronze medals at both the London and Rio Paralympics, I am hopeful of returning to the podium at the Tokyo Paralympics later this year.
2 – When & How Did You First Discover Wheelchair Tennis?
Following my accident and while shopping for my first wheelchair, I met Pete Norfolk, a former World No. 1 Quad Wheelchair Tennis player. We discussed my past involvement in badminton before my accident, and Pete suggested I try wheelchair tennis. He even lent me a chair to begin with and joined me on court. I am very grateful to Pete for taking the time to do that. Once I tried it, I was hooked and haven’t looked back, to be honest.
3 – How Has The Sport Improved Your Physical & Mental Well-Being?
Wheelchair tennis has undoubtedly helped me cope with my accident and disability. It has made me stronger, fitter, and better able to manage on a daily basis, but it has also given me a new way of living. Travelling the world, I have had many incredible experiences and opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. I feel very fortunate to be able to do something I love every day. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, having tennis as a focus and outlet was highly beneficial for me, both physically and mentally.
4 – What Inspires Your Motivation?
I often get asked this. Ultimately, I love wheelchair tennis, I love the training, I love the competition, and I love the challenges it presents. Striving for Grand Slam opportunities and Paralympic Medals is the pinnacle of our sport. Still, the idea of continually improving and striving to be the best I can be keeps me motivated every day.
5 – Any Common Misconceptions About Wheelchair Tennis?
People often believe there are more changes to the game, but it actually uses the same size court, the same balls, and the same net height. The only difference is that players in a wheelchair are allowed two bounces, with only the first bounce needing to be within the usual boundaries of the game.
It’s not easy as a T4 paraplegic to compete in wheelchair tennis. When I first started playing the sport, I was told I would be too disabled to compete among the top girls. Seventeen years later, I believe I have proved this wrong, but it is still extremely tough out there. Unlike other Paralympic Sports that have many divisions, wheelchair tennis has only three categories: men’s, women’s open, and mixed quad divisions. For someone like me, with zero core function, it is undoubtedly a tough sport. However, I also believe this is what keeps me motivated – the opportunity to prove people wrong and the small wins that come from making an impact.
6 – Do You Have Any Advice For Aspiring Athletes With Disabilities?
I love tennis and the fact that you can play with anyone. As a wheelchair user, I can easily play against able-bodied friends and family. I believe that for anyone who is recently injured or even living with a disability and thinking about taking up a sport, there are numerous physical, mental, and social benefits. Don’t be afraid to try something new. There are many sports and charities now that offer opportunities for disabled athletes.
If you want to try tennis, the LTA offers many opportunities to get involved. Bright Ideas for Tennis is a charity dedicated to increasing access to tennis by creating opportunities, particularly for adults and children with disabilities.
Useful links:
Follow Lucy Shuker on Instagram
LTA – Get Started with Tennis
Bright Ideas for Tennis
