Q&A: Shelly Woods

In the second of our profiles of UK sports stars in the run-up to the Beijing Paralympics, wheelchair racer Shelly Woods, 21, answered our questions:

How did you first get involved in disability sport?

I was paralysed from a fall from a tree at age 11 where I broke my back and [was] paralysed from the waist down. I was always an active youngster and after my accident I was keen to get back into sport, which I loved. While I was in rehab at the spinal unit I tried everything from wheelchair basketball, table-tennis [and] athletics. By the age of 15, I found wheelchair racing. I met my first proper coach, Jason Gill, who coached me until the end of 2006.

What is your biggest sporting achievement so far?

Winning the London Marathon in 2007.

What is your biggest disappointment in sport so far?

Nothing major springs to mind and fingers crossed I won’t [have one].

What are your ambitions for Beijing and beyond?

I’d love to win a medal in Beijing. Beijing will be my first Paralympics and there are a few world records I really want to get my hands on. Ultimately, racing in London 2012 will be amazing and if I can win a gold medal there it would be a dream come true.

Who are your sporting heroes?

Chantal Petitclerc – also one of my rivals. David Weir. Kelly Holmes. Tanni Grey Thompson: she’s achieved so much. And Haile Gebrselassie.

Do you think the GB team is in good shape for the Beijing games, and beyond that, London?

Yes, we have a lot of talent and a good support team around us. So, with a bit of luck on our side there’s no reason we can’t deliver. As for London, we have to be [in good shape], it'll be the biggest sporting showcase our country has ever hosted. There is nothing bigger than the Paralympics and Olympics!

Who is your tip to be the next star of GB Paralympic sport?

Shelly Woods.

What are your interests away from sport?

I love spending time with my friends and family, shopping, and chilling out watching TV shows like CSI, Lost and 24.