I was absolutely delighted to compete in my first-ever visually impaired tennis tournament at the VI National Championships in Sunderland at the start of October.
My tennis journey only began this summer, when I was invited to try visually impaired tennis at the British Open on the Wimbledon qualifying training courts. From the moment I picked up a racket, I fell in love with the sport, and I haven’t looked back since!
Since then, I’ve been having weekly coaching sessions with Ali Ward at Royal Wootton Bassett Tennis Club, whose expertise, encouragement and dedication have played a huge part in my progress.
Thanks to Ali’s fantastic coaching, I’m incredibly proud to say that I reached the final of the B2 category at the Visually Impaired National Championships in my very first tournament!
After retiring from Paralympic judo, I honestly never imagined I would find another sport that would give me the same excitement, passion and competitive drive. But tennis has certainly reignited that spark, and I’m loving every minute of this new chapter.
I’d like to say a massive thank you to Wilts Tennis for their support in helping me begin this journey, and to Ali Ward for his outstanding coaching, belief and encouragement.
This is only the beginning of my tennis journey, and I genuinely cannot wait to get back on court and compete in my next tournament!
Chris Hunt Skelley MBE
Speaker / Paralympic Champion / Mentor
