Peter Isherwood set to represent Canada in Para table tennis at Paris 2024 Paralympics
The 47-year-old will make his Paralympic debut.
Peter Isherwood will make his Paralympic debut this summer, nominated on Friday to represent Canada in Para table tennis at Paris 2024.
The 47-year-old from Vancouver will become the first Canadian athlete to compete in a wheelchair classification in Para table tennis at the Paralympic Games. He has competed in two Parapan American Games, at Lima 2019 and Santiago 2023 — knocked out in the preliminary rounds of both men’s singles events and reaching the 2023 round of 16 in the men’s doubles event alongside Muhammad Mudassar.
He is currently ranked 49th in the world in the men’s Class 2 category.
“When I got the call that I’m going to Paris, I was at a loss for words,” said Isherwood in a press release. “So much gets devoted to the sport you love, and the Paralympics is the ultimate goal. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped along the way.
“I look forward to representing this amazing country on the biggest stage in Para sport.”
Isherwood gained his nomination for Paris through bipartite allocation via the International Table Tennis Federation, which are invitations granted on a discretionary basis to certain athletes.
Table Tennis Canada’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2022, he will compete in the men’s wheelchair Class 2 singles tournament, which will take place from September 1-5 at South Paris Arena.
“Peter’s journey as an athlete has been one of unwavering dedication and positivity,” said Dejan Papic, Table Tennis Canada’s Para head coach, in a press release. “The Paralympic dream has lived in Peter for a long time, and I'm thrilled he's found table tennis as his path to make it a reality. Over the past two years, we've witnessed his relentless pursuit of improvement, overcoming every obstacle with determination.
“We'd also like to extend our gratitude to the ITTF Para Committee for recognizing Peter's exceptional efforts and granting him this opportunity.”
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