Pearson hopeful of debut success

1:00pm Saturday 6th September 2008

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HEREFORD ace Josie Pearson has her sights firmly set on Beijing glory as she gets ready to become the first female wheelchair rugby player to represent Great Britain at the Paralympics.

The 22-year-old was picked as part of a 12-strong team heading to the Far East, which includes eight of the Athens squad that narrowly missed out on a medal four years ago.

Britain finished fourth in Greece but Pearson, who started playing for the Cardiff Pirates in 2005 following a car accident, believes Team GB can go one further in China.

“I am very honoured to be the first female to be picked. It has been hard but I am glad that females are finally being recognised,” she said.

“I was quite quiet and reserved at first but now I don’t see the men any differently and they don’t see me any differently.

“I think we have a great chance and that we can do well. I am very confident.

“There are some guys that have been to more than one Paralympics and, for them to be confident from a rookie point of view, builds your confidence and I think that we will be on that podium.

“Beijing wasn’t a big goal because I have only been playing for three years but now I’m there I want to stay.”

Elsewhere, Worcester Athletic club sprinter Katrina Hart is set to compete in the 100 metres and 200m.

The 18-year-old, who suffers from cerebral palsy, heads to Beijing among the favourites for medals after being the second fastest in the world over 100m last year and third quickest over 200m in her T37 category.

Hart, who burst on to the scene as a 15-year-old with a European Championship 100m bronze in 2005, is due to compete in the Bird’s Nest on Thursday.

Lloyds TSB, proud first partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of ParalympicsGB on their journey to 2012. Visit Lloyds TSB.com/London2012