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Guides: Young Sports Personality of the Year

Last Updated: Wednesday November 15 2006 11:01 GMT

Gordon Reid - Wheelchair tennis

Gordon Reid
Sport: Wheelchair tennis
Born: 02-10-91
Hometown: Helsenburgh, Scotland
Achievements: Less than two years after needing a wheelchair he has risen to the top 100 in the men's singles world rankings. Won the men's second draw of the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships - the same level as a Grand Slam event like Wimbledon.

When did you start?

Gordon: I started playing tennis when I was six, and I started playing wheelchair tennis in February 2005.

It was quite a shock because I didn't expect to rise up the ranks so quickly.

How do you prepare for a tournament?

Gordon: When I'm going up to a big tournament I like to keep focused and imagine the trophy of the tournament sitting on my mantelpiece and that spurs me on.

The only difference in the rules between wheelchair tennis and other tennis is that in wheelchair tennis you're allowed to hit the ball after the second bounce. In able-bodied tennis you're not.

How is your tennis going?

Gordon: It feels great to be in the men's singles top 100, but I want to keep working a lot harder and climb the ranks for my ultimate goal of the London Olympics in 2012.

Playing for Team GB gives you such an adrenalin rush when you move onto the court. Knowing you've got the British flag on your shirt just makes you sure that you want to win even more.

What's your advice for people who want to get into the sport?

Gordon: In wheelchair tennis you need to have skill, co-ordination, concentration and strength.

I've got a real passion for tennis and if you do too get down to your local club and start playing.

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