Dan Bethell —who won Britain’s first-ever medal in para-badminton— hopes to add a gold to his silver medal from Tokyo. UNIVERSITY OF BATH

Seven Paralympians who train at the University of Bath are set to compete in the Paris Games this summer. Dan Bethell, Suzanna Hext, Michael Taylor, Gemma Collis, Dimitri Coutya, Piers Gilliver and Oliver Lam-Watson have been selected to represent Britain in the Paralympics which begins 28 August.

Defending Category A épée champion Gilliver, Coutya and Lam-Watson brought nine medals home from Tokyo between them and —along with four-time Paralympian Collis— will be looking to add to their tally as they compete in the stunning Grand Palais. The fencers face five long days of competition from 3 September. 

Piers Gilliver is ready to defend his individual épée title. BATH UNIVERSITY
Piers Gilliver is ready to defend his individual épée title. BATH UNIVERSITY

"It’s going to be a challenging environment – not only are you facing the world's best athletes but you've also got a very tough schedule to stick to. It’s going to be a really special experience, though. Paris is so close to home, we've got a fantastic venue with the Grand Palais, and friends and family will be able to come and support us. That will mean a huge amount," Gilliver said in an official press release by Team Bath.

Gilliver isn’t the only athlete looking forward to competing in one of the prestigious venues in the City of Lights. Para-swimmer Hext, who competes in the S5 100m freestyle is keen to experience the emotion of the Paris La Defense Arena.

"Watching on TV and seeing that pool – oh my gosh, it’s going to be insane! I’m going to be able to hear the noise too because of the rule change which means I’m allowed to race with my cochlear implants. I can’t wait,” said Hext. 

Michael Taylor looks forward to swimming in the Seine while competing in the para-triathlon. UNIVERSITY OF BATH
Michael Taylor looks forward to swimming in the Seine while competing in the para-triathlon. UNIVERSITY OF BATH

Para-triathlete Taylor couldn’t agree more and is even looking forward to diving in the Seine.

"It’s going to be a very different experience to Tokyo. My family and friends are going to be there, and there will be crowds on the course too. The course itself is incredible, right through the centre of Paris. I think the River Seine swim will hopefully really play to my strengths, I used to swim a lot in the sea while growing up in North Devon so I should be used to the currents in the river. It’s a nice, flat course and the weather should be relatively cool so I think it should suit me," said Taylor, a lower-leg amputee who will compete in the PTS4 race on Sunday 1 September.

Bethell —who made history in Tokyo when he won Britain’s first-ever medal in para-badminton, a SL3 men’s singles silver— has only one goal in mind: to upgrade his hardware. 

"My hope is to win the gold medal, that's what I set out to do in this sport from the very beginning. Winning a silver in Tokyo was one dream fulfilled and it's amazing to be a Paralympian, now I want to upgrade the colour in Paris," he said.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony begins on 28 August at 20:00 CEST.