The Paris Paralympic Games are just just around the corner and Wales’ top para athletes are entering the final countdown.
Last time around, at Tokyo 2020, the 21 Welsh athletes in ParalympicsGB brought home an impressive 14 medals.
Here are the names to keep an eye on in 2024…
ARCHERY
Jodie Grinham
AGE: 31 • FROM: HAVERFORDWEST
Jodie Grinham is a archer who competes in the compound archery events. Despite being born with an underdeveloped right arm, she has excelled in her sport, showing immense skill and determination. Grinham has represented Great Britain at the Paralympic Games, where her precision and focus in archery have made her a standout competitor.
TAEKWONDO
Matt Bush
AGE: 35 • FROM: ST CLEARS
Matt Bush is a British Paralympic taekwondo athlete who made history as one of the first Paralympic taekwondo competitors when the sport debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Competing in the +75kg category, Bush has overcome the challenges of competing with a disability to become a top contender in his sport, known for his power and tactical skills.
Beth Munro
AGE: 31 • FROM: (REPRESENTS WALES)
Beth Munro is another pioneering British Paralympic taekwondo athlete who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. She has made a significant impact in the sport, showcasing her fighting spirit and technical abilities. Munro’s success in taekwondo has helped to raise the profile of the sport in the Paralympic community.
ATHLETICS
Aled Sion Davies
AGE: 33 • FROM: BRIDGEND
Aled Sion Davies is a Welsh Paralympic athlete who specialises in throwing events, particularly the shot put and discus. Born with a congenital limb deficiency, he has become one of the most successful Paralympians in his field. Davies is a multiple-time Paralympic champion and world record holder, known for his incredible strength and technique.
Sabrina Fortune
AGE: 27 • FROM: MOLD
Sabrina Fortune is a British Paralympic athlete who competes in the F20 classification for shot put. She has made a significant impact in athletics, winning a gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships and a bronze at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Fortune is admired for her power and consistency in the shot put event.
Olivia Breen
AGE: 27 • FROM: (REPRESENTS WALES)
Olivia Breen is a British Paralympic athlete known for her versatility, competing in both sprinting and long jump. Born with cerebral palsy, Breen has been a key figure in the Paralympic team, securing multiple medals across major competitions. Her energetic personality and competitive spirit make her a fan favourite.
Hollie Arnold
AGE: 30 • FROM: (REPRESENTS WALES)
Hollie Arnold is a British Paralympic javelin thrower who has achieved significant success in her career. Born without a right forearm, Arnold has won numerous gold medals, including at the Paralympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. Her dedication and resilience have made her a role model in the sport.
Harrison Walsh
AGE: 28 • FROM: SWANSEA
Harrison Walsh is a Welsh Paralympic athlete who transitioned from able-bodied sports to Paralympic athletics after a serious injury. Specialising in the discus throw, Walsh has quickly made his mark, showcasing his strength and determination. His journey from football to athletics is a testament to his adaptability and perseverance.
Funmi Oduwaiye
AGE: 20 • FROM: CARDIFF
Funmi Oduwaiye is a rising star in British Paralympic athletics, specialising in the shot put. Competing in the F64 classification, she has shown great promise with her powerful performances. Oduwaiye’s commitment to her sport and her rapid progress suggest a bright future ahead.
CANOE
Laura Sugar MBE
AGE: 33 • FROM: (REPRESENTS WALES)
Laura Sugar is a British Paralympic canoeist who has also competed in para-athletics. Born with talipes (clubfoot), Sugar initially found success on the track before switching to canoeing, where she quickly excelled. Her powerful paddling and determination have earned her a place among the top para-canoeists in the world.
EQUESTRIAN
Georgia Wilson
AGE: 28 • FROM: ABERGELE
Georgia Wilson is a British Paralympic equestrian who competes in para-dressage. Despite facing challenges due to cerebral palsy, Wilson has become an accomplished rider, earning medals at the European Championships and representing Great Britain at the Paralympic Games. Her skill in dressage highlights her deep connection with her horses and her technical expertise.
ROWING
Benjamin Pritchard
AGE: 32 • FROM: MUMBLES
Benjamin Pritchard is a British Paralympic rower who competes in the PR1 single sculls event. After a spinal cord injury in 2016, Pritchard turned to rowing and quickly rose through the ranks. His dedication and athleticism have made him a formidable competitor on the water, earning him a place at the Paralympic Games.
SWIMMING
Rhys Darbey
AGE: 17 • FROM: FLINTSHIRE
Rhys Darbey is a British Paralympic swimmer known for his strong performances in the pool. Competing in the S9 classification, Darbey has shown great potential, with impressive results at national and international levels. His speed and technique make him a promising athlete in Paralympic swimming.
TABLE TENNIS
Robert Davies
AGE: 39 • FROM: ABERGAVENNY
Robert Davies is a Welsh Paralympic table tennis player who has been a key figure in British para-table tennis for many years. Competing in the Class 1 category, Davies has achieved great success, including multiple European Championship titles and a Paralympic gold medal. His tactical acumen and experience make him a tough opponent.
Paul Karabardak
AGE: 38 • FROM: SWANSEA
Paul Karabardak is another top British Paralympic table tennis player, competing in the Class 6 category. Karabardak has represented Great Britain in several Paralympic Games, consistently performing at a high level. His skill, focus, and dedication to the sport have earned him numerous accolades.
Joshua Stacey
AGE: 24 • FROM: CARDIFF
Joshua Stacey is a rising star in British para-table tennis, competing in the Class 9 category. Despite his young age, Stacey has already made a name for himself with his impressive performances on the international stage. His agility and quick reflexes set him apart as one of the most promising talents in the sport.
Tom Matthews
AGE: 31 • FROM: MERTHYR TYDFIL
Thomas Matthews is a Welsh Paralympic table tennis player who competes in the Class 1 category. After a life-changing accident, Matthews turned to table tennis and quickly developed into a top competitor. His resilience and determination have been key to his success in the sport, making him a respected figure in the Paralympic community.
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
Philip Pratt
AGE: 30 • FROM: CARDIFF
Philip Pratt is a British Paralympic wheelchair basketball player and a key member of the GB team. Known for his leadership on the court, Pratt has helped lead his team to numerous victories, including at the Paralympic Games. His strategic mind and on-court versatility make him a critical player in any game.
WHEELCHAIR FENCING
Gemma Collis
AGE: 31 • FROM: CARDIFF
Gemma Collis is a British Paralympic wheelchair fencer who has competed at multiple Paralympic Games. Despite being diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Collis has shown incredible tenacity in her sport. Her skill with the épée and her competitive spirit have earned her recognition as one of the top wheelchair fencers in the world.
