Maddie's got a shot at 2012
HOPE VALLEY teenager Madeleine Thompson has spoken of her delight after representing Great Britain at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.
Maddie, 14, who is a right leg amputee from birth, became the youngest ever member of GB's senior wheelchair basketball team when she took to the court last week.
And while the fledgling GB side failed to win a game during the competition, the Lady Manners School pupil was nevertheless undeterred in her goal to reach the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
"The BT Paralympic World Cup means a lot to me and to play here at 14-years-old is a great achievement and proves that all the hard work was worthwhile," she said after her side was defeated by China in a bronze medal match.
"My family have been here this week to cheer me on so I'm really grateful for all their support.
"It's back to school for me now and I have half term then I start the first set of tests for my GCSEs.
"That will be difficult but we are all working hard to get to London 2012 which I'm sure will be amazing."
The GB women's senior team had looked on course for victory in their opening pool match against Mexico, leading going into the fourth quarter.
But their opponents fought back strongly to narrowly win the match by 41 points to 37.
The team suffered a narrow 48-46 defeat to China, followed by back-to-back defeats to the Netherlands.
And in another closely-fought game, the Chinese won the bronze medal match 63-50.
But despite not winning a game, team coach Garry Peel said: "There's a real buzz and excitement about the team and we're going to develop together now.
"I've got 21 girls in my squad and if we can keep them together for the next three years, I think Great Britain can be a force in 2012."
At club level, Maddie plays for Sheffield Steelers Wheelchair Basketball Club and the Manchester Mavericks.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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