Report and Photographs from johncoxon
GB Women, despite losing all their matches and losing to China in the play off for the bronze medal 46-32 enjoyed some close matches, notably a narrow defeat by China in the pools 48-46 and 47-46 against the Netherlands and 41-37 and 41-37 against the eventual finalists Mexico. But this was am emerging side with five teenagers in the squad. Coach, Gary Peel was pleased with the performances. The aim, he told journalist, was to give the younger newcomers experience of playing at the highest level. “There is a new buzz of excitement in the team” he continued, and we will continue to develop together and if we stay together we could be a real force in 2012. The senior players must now realise that the rookies are challenging them for their places and will have to keep performing. One of those making her debut was 14 year old Maddie Thompson from Hope in Derbyshire. She declared she had really enjoyed competing and her love of the excitement it brings. She sees this appearance as a step on the road to fulfilling her dream of competing in London 2012.
Claire Strange , veteran of three Paralympics was enthusiastic about the new members of the team and their effect. She praised their mental attitude and approach and how well they had gelled and how responsive they were to coaching. “I don’t want them beating me in training so its making me work harder”
Detailed results and live stats at BTparalympics.com
More photographs from the 2009 BT Paralympic World Cup Wheelchair Basketball and Athletics at johncoxon.com
