Single combat

Shoe-shop employee Amy Truesdale, the Sentinel/City of Stoke-on-Trent Female Sports Personality of the Year, recently fought for Britain in the Para-Taekwondo Championships. Here she tells us about the time kids thought her arm was bitten off by a crocodile and why having two arms would be a disadvantage

What’s the best thing about being disabled?

People are just more shocked at how capable you are, you get more praise and recognition for your achievements.

What makes you angry?

I work at a footwear company and people often ask if I need help tying my shoelaces or reaching something that’s very easy to me – it annoys me sometimes because I can actually do that stuff.

What’s the funniest thing anyone’s ever said to you about your impairment? And have you any good putdowns?

My boyfriend once told a bunch of kids that my arm got bitten off by a crocodile and they believed him; that was pretty funny.

If you were Prime Minister what one thing would you do to improve things for disabled people?

I’d offer more funding and support for disabled people wanting to do sport and activities. Having a disability shouldn’t stop anyone from doing anything, sometimes people just need a bit more encouragement.

What do you most like about being a Paralympian?

I’ve won competitions against able-bodied and disabled people, neither really mean more to me but it’s great to challenge and be challenged in both areas.

And what do you not like about it?

Sometimes people think it must be easy for me because of my disability… I guess worrying about what people think.

Who’s your favourite disabled person ever?

There’s this one Paralympian who is missing an arm and a leg, Stuart Penn, he’s really good.

If you didn’t have your impairment, which other one would you like to have for a day?

I suppose if I did have two arms I’d be at a disadvantage as I wouldn’t know what to do! So that would be an impairment in itself.

How would you sum yourself up in ten words or less?

Energetic, very determined, dedicated, persevering and happy.