As Gordon Reid prepares to compete at Wimbledon, we caught up with the world-renowned tennis player to talk training in a pandemic and the importance of role models in sport.
Over the last year, what effect did the pandemic have on your training?
It obviously disrupted my training and competition schedule significantly. I had to adapt my training at home due to the gyms/tennis courts being closed off. I ended up coming out of the first lockdown in great shape as I had more time to dedicate to specific conditioning training.
How do you feel the effect of the last year has impacted disability sport as a whole?
I think like all sports, disability sport has been hit hard by the pandemic. A lot of athletes haven’t had the opportunity to train or compete, luckily for us in wheelchair tennis, we have resumed our tour earlier than the majority of other sports.
What concerns do you have for young disabled people who haven’t seen as many sporting role models in the media recently?
I think it always has a positive effect when young disabled people have exposure to athletes and obviously this was reduced last year. I hope that with the Paralympics coming soon that there will be more opportunities for those young people to be inspired.
As restrictions begin to ease and some events resume, what hopes do you have for the industry moving forward?
I hope that disability sport from grass roots to the elite level receive the backing, support and exposure they need to continue to grow and improve.
How are you feeling ahead of playing at Wimbledon this year?
I can’t wait to be back at Wimbledon this year. It was the only Grand Slam event that had to be cancelled in 2020 so I’m really excited to play there again as a home event.
In hindsight, is there anything you feel the pandemic has taught you?
I think just not to take anything for granted, to appreciate the freedoms we usually have in life. To enjoy and cherish the special moments with friends and family.
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