At the top of her game for more than two decades, Lucy Shuker is a sporting icon and influential role model. Editor Melissa Holmes caught up with Lucy to chat all things tennis, sport and inclusion
Q: Tell us more about how you got involved in wheelchair tennis.
A: After my injury, I was leaving hospital [Lucy was involved in a motorbike accident when she was 21, and was paralysed from the chest down], and I needed to buy my first day chair. I went to a wheelchair company which was owned by Pete Norfolk – he was known as The Quadfather, and was one of the top wheelchair tennis players in the world. While talking with him, he asked if I’d been involved in sports, and I said I’d played badminton to a high level. He asked if I’d tried tennis, and he ended up lending me one of his old tennis chairs. I jumped in – it was almost like rehab; just playing with friends and family, getting to find me again. It wasn’t to become a Paralympian. I started to play more and more, and got better and better. Then I qualified for my first Paralympics. The rest, I suppose, is history!
Q: You’re a sporting role model. How does that feel?
A: This year I met a Japanese girl who has a similar disability to me. Her words were: ‘You are one of my idols’. It’s lovely to hear that I’ve potentially been a role model to some people, because I’m really passionate about making the sport inclusive for everyone.
Q: At 45, you’re at the top of your game, with no plans of retiring soon. What are your goals now?
A: The ultimate dream for any Paralympian athlete is to win a gold medal. I’ve got two bronze and one silver, but I’d love to win a gold, and I’d also love to win a Grand Slam [at the time of going to print, Lucy had strong hopes of qualifying for Wimbledon 2025]. But there are things I aim for – whether I achieve them or not – that keep me going.
Q: Wheelchair tennis is an intensely physical and emotional game. How do you keep pushing through?
A: I think tennis is one of those really tough sports where there are a lot of lows, and a few highs. I have a really good team around me in terms of my partner, my coach, my sports psychologist… When I hit those tough times, they ask me: ‘Why do you keep putting yourself through this?’. There are some tough times, but I love playing tennis. I also know I’m privileged to be in this position – not many people get to play a sport for a living and have the experiences I’ve had in terms of Paralympics and Grand Slams.
Q: What achievements are you most proud of in your career so far?
A: I always say the first medal we won in London, because it was the unexpected medal, and it was at the home Games [Lucy secured a bronze medal playing doubles alongside Jordanne Whiley at the 2012 Paralympics – they became the first women ever to win a medal for Great Britain in wheelchair tennis]. Then to get to the Paralympic final in Tokyo – we lost the gold medal, but we won a silver. And then it’s got to be being the flagbearer, because the reason you’re chosen isn’t just sporting success; other factors are taken into consideration too.
Q: Yes, tell us more about being chosen to carry the flag for Team GB at the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony last year.
A: It was unbelievable. You’re nominated by the head of wheelchair tennis in the UK. It then goes to the British Paralympic Association, and they shortlist three people, then the British Paralympic athletes get to vote. It’s nice to know my teammates – some I’d never met before – voted for me to lead Paralympics GB out at the opening ceremony alongside wheelchair basketball Paralympian Terry Bywater. It was an incredible experience – a real honour.
Q: You’re very busy training and travelling the world to compete. Do you ever stop and reflect on your achievements?
A: Not often! As athletes, we’re quite harsh on ourselves and always striving for that next high. In my career, there have been times where I’ve questioned why I’m doing it and if I still want to do it. Ultimately, I love wheelchair tennis which keeps me going.
Q: How do you stay focused, competitive and motivated?
A: Every time I step on court, I want to be better than I was yesterday. You’re learning and pushing yourself; trying to be better. It’s not necessarily going to be making massive changes, just that 1%, but nutrition is a massive part of it in terms of recovery. I’m also very fortunate to be in this position. I don’t take it for granted and I’m still striving for my goals.
Q: What advice would you give to somebody who’s recently become disabled?
A: Life’s a journey. It’s not always going to be easy, but it’s about how you get up every time you’re knocked down. I always say, try sport – it has so many good benefits. Say yes to trying stuff, rather than being worried about maybe failing. We all fail at stuff and it’s a case of trying again. Pick yourself up and try again.
Learn more about Lucy at lucyshuker.com or follow her on Instagram.