Meet the Bristol University students set to compete in this years’ Paralympic Games

Three students will let their talent shine in Paris this month in badminton, boccia and triathlon

4 months ago | UPDATED 2 months ago

Three students from the Univerisity of Bristol are preparing to appear in the Paralympic Games in Paris this month.

The Games will kick off on August 28th, and run through until September 8th in France’s capital. Whilst this time is normally used for students to prepare for another academic year, these individuals have something much larger on their plates to prepare for.

1. Sally Kidson

Sally recently competing in bocci. Credit: Paralympics GB.

First up is first-year Sally Kidson, who is making her Paralympic debut just weeks before starting her degree at Bristol University.

She will be competing in boccia, a sport similar to bowls, introduced to the games in 1984. Sally, the prospective Music student, will contend in the individual competition as well as in a pair alongside Will Arnott for Team GB.

The Paralympics is just the beginning of her sporting journey, seeing as she is just 17 years old. She said: “This is only my second full international season, I am an absolute newbie on the international boccia stage.

“I first started playing boccia at my secondary school in PE lessons. I started to play competitively in 2019 before the pandemic. I then made my international debut in 2022.”

Despite her youth, Sally is approaching the Games with a mature perspective, adding: “The most frequent piece of advice I get given is to just enjoy the experience, and so that’s what I fully intend on doing.

“A minuscule percentage of the population get to experience competing at the Paralympic Games and I didn’t expect to be qualifying for one so soon. I also feel very lucky that my family are able to come out and watch.”

Here’s why the house in Netflix’s No Good Deed looks so incredibly familiar

Lily Phillips shares four gross mistakes she made while sleeping with 100 men in one day

Current record holder for sleeping with most men in a day issues stark warning to Lily Phillips

Sally, who has just beaten the world numbers one and two, said: “Obviously I would love to come home with a medal but the aim for me is to go and continue the positive momentum I’ve kicked off over the last couple of months.”

2. Michael Taylor

Michael training for the Paralympics in 2024. Credit: Michael Taylor

Whilst being a current Medicine student at Bristol Uni, Michael is also training to compete in the triathlon on September 1st.

His appearance in the Paralympics began after a life-changing injury led him to discover the sport, whilst watching the games of the 2016 Rio Paralympics during his recovery.

When talking about his first interest in the sport, Michael said: “I saw triathlon and I thought that looked like a good, a fun thing to do. Both my medical and triathlon training represent mental and physical challenges. Both were goals I set myself after my injury, something to work towards. I’ve got two years left of my medical degree and I’d like to specialise in radiology or anaesthetics.”

He went on to say: “I think the good thing about triathlon is you get outside a lot. It’s quite a social sport. You can make time to go and have bike rides and runs with friends, which makes it a lot more fun. I think I feel a lot fitter and you know, I’m feeling in good form.”

Michael will be able to compete in front of a large crowd of family and friends in Paris, unlike the Tokyo Ganes. He added: “Even though this is my second Games I didn’t really feel like I had the real experience last time with the pandemic. I’m looking forward to seeing all their faces when I get to the finish line.”

3. Dan Bethell

Dan Bethell preparing to defend his medal. Credit: Paralympics GB.

Last but not least, Dan Bethell, a Bristol Uni Law graduate will be competing beginning tomorrow, August 29th, in badminton’s SL3 classification.

Dan won a silver medal in the Tokyo 2020 Games, hoping to go one better to gold in Paris.

The 28-year-old was born with cerebral palsy, but it won’t stop him from rivalling with current gold medalist Pramod Bhagat, as he is hoping to secure his victory in front of his family and friends.

As the Paralympic flame is lit in Paris today (August 28th), these athletes will express the pride of the University of Bristol community.

Featured image credit: Paralympics GB & Michael Taylor.

I took learning to a new level and aced my classes at university in the Metaverse

Wait, virtual learning can actually be fun?

Meta | Brands

Meet the Bristol University students set to compete in this years’ Paralympic Games

1. Sally Kidson

Most Read

Here’s why the house in Netflix’s No Good Deed looks so incredibly familiar

Lily Phillips shares four gross mistakes she made while sleeping with 100 men in one day

Current record holder for sleeping with most men in a day issues stark warning to Lily Phillips

2. Michael Taylor

3. Dan Bethell

Related articles recommended by this author:

I took learning to a new level and aced my classes at university in the Metaverse

Meet the Bristol University students set to compete in this years’ Paralympic Games

1. Sally Kidson

Most Read

2. Michael Taylor

3. Dan Bethell

Related articles recommended by this author:

Latest