By Roger
Over the last 60 years I have been privileged to watch some amazing tennis. Recently men and women athletes come from all over the world, and compete in a series of events put on by the International Tennis Federation to produce world rankings for men and women.
The only change to regular tennis rules is that they can play the ball after 2 bounces. However, at this level they play many shots after one bounce and from wheelchairs that they have to move to reach the ball! Amazing when you consider how difficult it is for regular players to move into position to play their shots.
Their mobility in the chairs is incredible – and then they have to make their shots. This they do without the advantage of using their legs – a huge source of power in regular tennis. The power hitting and serving they produced seated in that chair was amazing! As for motivation, well, an inspiration for us all.
The men’s semi-final and women’s semi-final both lasted incredible times in 30 degree temperatures – the men’s went for 3 hours and the women’s 2 hours 10 minutes, and the finals the next day went for over 2 hours. Tremendous athleticism and motivation in abundance!
I talked with the Aussie man who won the event about his average day in Sidney. He told me he trains at the Olympic Centre from 6-8:30am and he then goes to work as a camera technician for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from 9-5pm. Afterwards he goes to work out at his local gym from 6:30-8pm. He does this 5 days a week. This puts me to shame! His name is Ben Weekes. He is 25 years old and ranks 20th in the world. Keep an eye open for him!
