Parfitt's 2012 dream still alive (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Parfitt's 2012 dream still alive

3:40pm Friday 1st April 2011 in Tennis News

Epsom wheelchair tennis star John Parfitt realises that four into one doesn’t go, and is desperate to make sure he isn’t one of those missing out when London 2012 comes around,writes Samantha Colebrooke.

The 32-year-old is yet to get a taste of Paralympic competition, with Jamie Burdekin and Peter Norfolk taking the quad spots for Beijing 2008, the latter winning singles gold and the duo claiming doubles bronze.

But with the Paralympics landing in London in 500 days time as of April 17, the former Glyn High School pupil has more chance to play his part with three spots opening up rather than just the two.

“I am not guaranteed a place in 2012 by any stretch of the imagination so that is what I am training for at the moment,” said Parfitt.

“Three quad players will go to the Paralympics and I am working my hardest to make sure I am one of them.

“Two of the spots are pretty much guaranteed to go with the rankings at the moment which means Peter and Andrew Lapthorne will go.

“Me, Adam Field, Anthony Cotterill and Jamie are the four realistically fighting it out for a place.

“It will be tough but I am determined to make sure I am the one celebrating at the end.”

Parfitt’s bid to earn Olympic selection got off to a bad start after he failed to make it on the team for the World Team Cup in South Africa.

But with plenty of tennis still to play, Parfitt remains confident his London 2012 dream is still a possibility.

“I have 16 events between now and the end of the year so there is still plenty to play for,” he added.

“2012 is my dream and I think it is a realistic goal as I’m playing well enough and I have only been playing this sport seriously for a couple of years now.

“So I’m picking up the ability to play which is a huge learning curve whereas these guys have years and years on me playing in tournaments and I am chipping away at them.”

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