Welsh swimming star David Roberts competed in 10 events at the Athens Paralympics - and came away with an impressive haul of four gold medals.

Here David talks to the Academy about how he got started in the sport and how he became a record breaker.

When I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 11 years of age I was told swimming was the best form of physiotherapy.

I started going along to a disabled swimming club in Cardiff.

It was just half an hour every Sunday to start off with. But I found I really enjoyed it and it all went from there.

I was fortunate that my parents were willing to run me along to pools up and down the country. They never pressurised me, just encouraged me.

I got picked for Wales when I was 14 and five years later I represented GB for the first time in the European Championships.

I entered four races and came away with four gold medals!

I competed in 10 events in Athens, including the individual medley - which meant swimming all four strokes.

I've got world records in the freestyle, which is my strongest stroke - all four of my gold medals were won in freestyle events.

Back to top