MEET THE PARALYMPIANS
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The 2024 Paralympic Games land next week and we can't wait to tune in!
At Independence Mobility, we're dedicated to promoting inclusive sports for people with disabilities. The Paralympic Games highlight the vast array of sports available, inspiring everyone to discover and pursue their passion for active living.
The excitement is now building and as Britain gears up for this prestigious event, we had the privilege of interviewing two remarkable athletes who embody the spirit of the Paralympics.
Harry Brown, a force to be reckoned with in wheelchair basketball, and Rob Oliver, a powerhouse on the para canoe team, share their insights and experiences ahead of the upcoming games in a round of quick-fire questions.
HARRY BROWN, WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
​Harry, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, made history at just 16 years old as the youngest player to join the GB British wheelchair basketball Men's Senior Team, debuting at the 2011 BT Paralympic Cup. With an impressive career that includes a bronze medal from the 2016 Rio Paralympics, we're excited to see him showcase his talent once again in his third Paralympic Games next week!
What 3 words would your family and friends use to describe you?
Quiet, loyal and motivated.
How did you feel when you found out you made the 2024 GB Paralympics Wheelchair Basketball team?
The sense of pride I felt when I made the team, not only for myself but for my family who support me all year round. And with it being my 3rd Paralympics it still felt as exciting and nervous as the first one.
Do you have any pre-competition rituals or routines?
For pre-competition rituals, I don't have I typically have a set routine but I check my chair, stretch and just try to stay relaxed and focused.
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your sporting career?
My biggest inspiration in sport growing up was the whole of the GB team, just seeing how they played and interacted as a team made me want to be a part of it. Outside of sports, my grandad was a huge drive for what I did and in more recent years my wife and 2 kids push me to be the best I can be.
What's your favourite meal to enjoy after a competition?
My favourite post-game meal would have to be steak of some description. And after competitions when we have had the same food for weeks, we normally have a Chinese or Indian.
Do you have a favourite song or artist that gets you pumped up?
I don't really have pump-up music. We listen to a variety of things as a team, but post-games or on evenings, I like Ed Sheeran or The Dunwells to chill-out and relax to.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to aspiring athletes?
For basketballers particularly I'd say work on every aspect of your game, but find that one thing you're good at and become a specialist in it. Then with all the other work you do on the other things, you become the perfect team player.
Find out more about Harry on his official profile here
ROB OLIVER, PARA CANOE
Rob Oliver, a seasoned British paracanoe athlete from Birmingham, is gearing up for his third Paralympic Games this summer. With a bronze medal from the Tokyo Paralympics and a silver medal from the European Championships, Rob has consistently proven himself as a top competitor on the international stage. His dedication and drive have made him a key figure in para canoeing, and we're eager to see him in action this August as he aims for even greater heights.
What is it that you love about Canoeing?
I love the peace and freedom you feel when you are exploring the rivers and canals between efforts and seeing all the wildlife in its natural environment.
What 3 words would your family and friends use to describe you?
I was told confident, determined and fun.
How did you feel when you found out you made the 2024 GB Paralympics Canoe team?
It was so stressful leading up to the selection events knowing that I had to win all of the races to go, so once I knew I had won, it was like a massive weight was lifted and now I can enjoy the ride.
Do you have any pre-competition rituals or routines?
I like to get onto the water about 80 minutes before my race and see what the weather is like and make sure I don't need to make any alterations to my boat set-up.
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your sporting career?
My biggest inspiration hasn’t been one particular person, it's the collective groups of British athletes Olympians / Paralympians at past games winning medals as a unit and wanting to be part of that success myself.
What’s your favourite meal to enjoy after a competition?
Italian, proper thin spicy pizza and tiramisu, with a nice cold beer.
Do you have a favourite song or artist that gets you pumped up?
I love drum and bass at the moment as it helps with the aggressive state I need to be in for the gym and the speed I need on the water. My favourite show is the BBC drum and bass show. It's lated on a Saturday night so I listen to it on iPlayer with DJ Charlie Tee.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to aspiring athletes?
Remember that you will have to sacrifice, so make sure that it's the journey that you love and not the outcome. As in you have to really love the sport and people around you because the success isn't a given. It's so hard to be one of the top 3 in the world and get a medal in anything, so you have to just know that what you are doing is worth it whatever the outcome.
Find out more about Rob on his official profile here
We wish Harry, Rob and all of Team GB Paralympic squad the best of luck!
Tune into the Paralympics starting 28th August until 8th September.
This year's games include Archery, Badminton, Boccia, Canoe, Cycling, Equestrian, Football 5-a-side, Goalball, Judo, Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para swimming, Rowing, Shooting para-sports, Sitting volleyball, Table tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wheelchair basketball, Wheelchair fencing, Wheelchair rugby and Wheelchair tennis.
For more information, visit: https://www.paralympic.org/paris-2024