We have to start with your famous F/H at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, how did you feel after making such a miraculous shot?

To be honest I didn’t even know it had hit the table at the time! I was just battling with myself in London, trying my hardest even though it probably wasn’t the best time in my career with preparation and injuries etc. I was just giving it my all and I guess everything just came together nicely for that one shot to happen. Afterwards it was great to get recognised more for my actual table tennis level rather than for just being a Paralympian, I don’t think enough people realised before.

Your passion for Table Tennis and competition is obvious, who inspired you when you were younger and why?

The first Olympics I remember in table tennis was Athens 2004, mainly Waldner getting to the semis, no-look forehand, and Ryu Seung-min footwork, upsetting the odds…that inspired me. But I would have to say mainly my family and friends. Your upbringing and all your experiences shape you and they are the ones who have always been there for me, through hard times and good. I think a lot of it comes from within too…to always get better, faster, stronger than you were previously.

You are a truly inspirational athlete…can you give 2 pieces of advice that might help any other promising disabled Table Tennis players or athletes?

Thanks! I think it’s good to have small intermediary goals. One more step over and over again becomes a thousand more steps. I’ve found when you push your body like this you can stay in the moment and not become overwhelmed with the overall pain or magnitude of the task at hand, whatever that may be. The mind drives everything and you can even go beyond your thoughts and push yourself to do things that even you thought were impossible. Secondly, review things based on method, not outcome. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But you can always try your best, push yourself and try to do the right thing at the right time, no matter what situation you may be in.

What motivates you the most in your profession in Table Tennis?

To become the best athlete I can possibly be whilst having fun in the process.

You are incredibly fit and strong, what are your favourite fitness/strength and conditioning exercises?

Thanks! I’ve always loved pushing my body, part of that comes from being disabled but the other part is from table tennis. My favourite exercises for table tennis are different squat variations (hack squat allows me to distribute the strain evenly whilst taking most of the load through my right leg) and strong core workouts. Russian twists and med ball slams are good table tennis simulations. For me it’s also important to train functionally for my back and shoulders. Balance things out because every movement on my crutches and in table tennis goes in a forward motion. Table tennis players are renowned for having bad backs. I also like to use kettlebells as they are very versatile and much prefer working out in high intensity. I’m known for going for gallops on my crutches and I’ve got quite proficient at cycling one-legged. With my disability, the fitness aspect is maybe more important than for the average table tennis player.

If you could choose one player to watch, who would it be?

Outside of the English guys (couldn’t possibly choose between them) it would have to be Darko Jorgic. I’ve knocked with a few of the top guys but especially Darko since he was young and it’s been amazing to see his level now. Top man and what a backhand.