Whiley in Paralympic Games squad

Whiley represented Britain in the World Team Cup this week

Halesowen teenager Jordanne Whiley has been picked to represent Great Britain in the wheelchair tennis team at the Beijing Paralympic Games.

The world number 30 turned 16 on 11 June and will be the youngest Briton in her sport at a Paralympics.

She said: "When I first told people I wanted to go to Beijing they looked at me and laughed.

"I'm going to take Beijing as a learning curve, experience for London where I will get that gold medal."

Whiley was the youngest ever women's singles national champion in wheelchair tennis in 2007 and recently defended her national titles in both singles and doubles.

She added: "It really means the world to me that I'm going to Beijing at just 16, and it's all down to my family and coach who have supported me through the whole thing - I couldn't have done it without them.

"I've been at school whilst trying to qualify which has been tough but the school have been incredibly supportive by letting me have time off for tournaments.

"It's been hard at times to juggle my school work with training and travel for competitions but now it's all been worth it.