Shuker hopes for Beijing medals

Taunton wheelchair tennis star Lucy Shuker says she "cannot wait" to travel to the Beijing Paralympics.

The 28-year old British number one will compete in both the singles and doubles tournaments in China.

Shuker told BBC Points West that she has high hopes for her first trip to the major event in disabled sport.

"There's going to be a big learning curve but there's the potential for winning a medal in both the singles and doubles," she said.

"I cannot wait to go out there. I think it's going to be one of life's phenomenal experiences and hopefully preparation for London [2012]."

"I am very excited but between now and then there's another two tournaments"
Lucy Shuker

The former county badminton player was paralysed in a motorbike accident in 2001 but then took just three years to go from complete beginner to Great Britain international at wheelchair tennis.

For the meantime, however, the world number 11 says she must focus on the present.

"I am very excited but between now and then there's another two tournaments. It's back to training, playing matches and getting practice," she added.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Ouch!
Paralympics on the BBC Olympics blog
GB Paralympic team for Beijing
ITF Wheelchair Tennis
The Tennis Foundation
British Paralympic Association
Parasport
2008 Beijing Paralympics
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