Tennis ace prepares for Olympics

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

A tennis ace is hoping to be inspired by Wimbledon as he prepares to compete in the Special Olympics.

Tom Styles, 21, from Melton, hopes to gain an advantage by watching stars like Andy Murray and Roger Federer battle it out on the show courts.

In just 29 days' time, he will be competing for gold in the men's singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles at the Knighton Tennis Centre, in Knighton Lane East, Leicester.

About 36 tennis hopefuls from all over the UK will join Tom at the Special Olympics, which runs from Saturday, July 25, to Friday, July 31.

Tom said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge. It's my home turf and I want to do my best for all the people who come and watch me.

"I've been watching Wimbledon this week to get some inspiration and I've been working on tactics and the type of shots I'll be using.

"I just want to do my best, it's about the taking part and I just hope I enjoy myself."

Tom has an impressive archive of medals and trophies from tournaments around the globe, including two gold medals from the World Games in Shanghai, in 2007.

He was also named BBC East Midlands Disabled Sportsperson of the Year in 2007.

His mother, Marie Styles, 56, said: "He wants to win but he's playing it cool. He's achieved a lot already but the Special Olympics has an extra draw because it's in his home county.

"There are people coming from all over the UK and the camaraderie is fantastic, they all get on so well and it makes the whole event amazing. I think Tom is a great ambassador, even if I do say so myself, and I have no doubt he'll do his best."

Leicester will be the only city in the country to have hosted the event twice when the games return next month. It first staged the Special Olympics in 1989.

Thousands of athletes and supporters from all over the UK will arrive to watch the games, which are being launched at the Walkers Stadium. More than 2,500 athletes with learning disabilities from across the country will compete in 21 sports.

Chairman of the Special Olympics Ted Cassidy said: "Wimbledon may be over in about two weeks but there will be another great feast of tennis for people right here in Leicester at the end of July.

"I think when people come and see these athletes play, they'll be flabbergasted at the level of skill.

"Tom is a great ambassador for the sport and a marvellous player, which is the result of years of hard work and dedication."

(Courtesy of the Leicester Mercury)

 
 

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