‘Best friends’ Tom Matthews and Megan Shackleton have already had an individual Paralympics podium moment – now they are aiming to repeat the experience in front of fans.
Both won bronze at the ‘Covid Games’ in Tokyo in 2021, Matthews in the Men’s Class 1 Singles and Shackleton alongside Sue Bailey in the Women’s Class 4-5 Team.
As a first experience of the Paralympics it was somewhat bitter-sweet, claiming a medal on their first appearance but doing so in an empty arena.
Both received wildcards from the International Paralympic Committee to compete in Paris, meaning they have the chance to improve on their Tokyo experience. They will team up in the Mixed Class 7 Doubles.
“Me and Megan are really close, we’re like best friends in the squad,” said Matthew, who is 31 and from Aberdare, “so having the opportunity to represent ParalympicsGB and the British public in the Paralympic Games together, I think it might be a one-off opportunity ever to do that.
“So I’m really excited to do that alongside Meg.
“I’m also playing doubles with Rob Davies, so I’m in three events, which is going to be exciting. I’m really excited also to play with him. The last time we played was a while ago but we were European champions, so just bring it on!”
As for the singles, Matthews also has the chance to repeat or upgrade his singles medal from Tokyo.
“I want to go one more, I want to get into the final and then, I guess, it’s going to be the best player on the day,” he said.
“My aim is obviously to get back on that podium. I’d really like to be a finalist and Paralympic champion. That is my aim. I feel I’ve got the ability to do that.
“It’s an amazing feeling. going to my second Paralympics and I really can’t wait. I’m really excited to go out there and, give it my all.”
Shackleton is in the Women’s Class 4 Singles as well as the Mixed.
“It (receiving a wildcard) has definitely taken a while to sink in,” she said. “I felt relieved and really happy because I’ve put a lot of hard work into this cycle and it has been really challenging, so it’s nice to reap the rewards from that and it is obviously a huge honour to represent ParalympicsGB again.
“I think the experience of competing in Tokyo and coming away with a medal was absolutely huge – managing the pressure that comes with it during the Games – so I feel I know a little bit more about what to expect but I’m just really grateful to have the opportunity to play in a Paralympic Games again.
“My form this year gives me a lot of confidence. I put a lot of hard work into trying to get those results and get those wins and, as I’ve got older, I’m just trying to consolidate wins when it matters so that when I turn up in Paris hopefully I can put in some good performances and really challenge the top players.”
“Like most athletes I think everyone dreams of coming away with a medal. I don’t believe it is completely out of my reach, so I will be challenging for that, but as long as I bring the performances I know I can to the table, I’ll be at peace with the outcome either way.”
After the challenging environment in Tokyo, both are looking forward to having familiar faces in the crowds in Paris – though Matthews joked there is one thing he is looking forward to more about this Paralympics than the last.
“Not doing a Covid test again, they were a nightmare!” he said. “But, obviously having the crowd here and all my friends and family . . . I’m really looking forward to having that experience and being exposed to that kind of atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of, dealing with that also.
“My parents, sister, niece and nephew are coming out, which is great. And then I’ve actually got my local pub, the Beehive, I think it’s either minibus or coach coming out with all the regulars.
“So yeah, they’re going to be a bit rowdy, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve told them ‘just keep it PG’ in the crowd!”
Shackleton, 24, who is from Todmorden in Yorkshire, will also have plenty of support. “I think I’ll have quite a big crew out there supporting me,” she said. “They’re all really excited and I’m just happy for them as well that they get to experience a Games and see someone they love competing, after supporting me for a long time.”
