As the Paralympic Games in Paris approach, Canada’s top medal hope in racquet sports is wheelchair tennis player Rob Shaw from North Bay, Ontario. Shaw is entering the tournament with a hot hand, having recently scored two tournament victories this summer, including his first ITF1 Series win at the Swiss Open in Geneva. Ranked eighth in the world in quad singles, Shaw defeated Francisco Cayulef of Chile in the final, showcasing his skill and determination on the court.
Shaw’s success on clay courts, the surface for the Paralympic Games, has been impressive this season with 11 wins and three losses. His recent victories have given him a boost of confidence as he prepares to compete in Paris. Shaw expressed his excitement for the upcoming Games, stating that it will be his first true Paralympic experience, unlike the previous Games held during the pandemic.
In the quad singles category, Dutch players Sam Schroder and Niels Vink currently hold the top two spots in the world rankings. Vink recently defeated Schroder in the Wimbledon final, setting the stage for an exciting competition at the Paralympic Games. Shaw’s first-round match is scheduled for August 31 at Roland Garros Stadium, where he will face tough competition from the world’s best players.
Joining Shaw in representing Canada in racquet sports at the Paralympic Games are Yuka Chokyu in Para badminton and Peter Isherwood in Para table tennis. Chokyu, a veteran Paralympian who previously competed in wheelchair tennis, will now showcase her skills in Para badminton. She is ranked 11th in the world and will compete in the WH1 women’s wheelchair category, aiming to build on her past successes at the Parapan American Games and world championships.
Chokyu’s first match is set for August 29 at Porte de La Chapelle Arena, where she will demonstrate her versatility and determination in a new sport. Meanwhile, Peter Isherwood will make history as the first Canadian athlete to compete in a wheelchair classification in Para table tennis at the Paralympic Games. Isherwood, a seasoned competitor at the Parapan American Games, will compete in men’s Class 2 singles starting on September 1 at the South Paris Arena.
As Canada’s top medal hope in racquet sports, Rob Shaw, along with Yuka Chokyu and Peter Isherwood, will showcase their talent, determination, and sportsmanship at the Paralympic Games in Paris. With their impressive track records and dedication to their respective sports, these athletes are poised to make Canada proud on the international stage.