Eric’s interest in sports started when he discovered wheelchair racing at an open house in the rehab hospital where he was recovering after his spinal cord injury.
He gave it a try, and as he got better and better, coach suggested he should train competitively.
“That’s the thing with taking the first step. You will not know where it will lead you…along the way you just learn and appreciate life more.”
His greatest athletic achievement was competing at the Paralympics in Beijing in 2008 for wheelchair racing. “Going to the Paralympic is the pinnacle for any sportsmen. I have been there so I know what is involved and what you need to put in. I am very blessed to be part of that event,” Eric proudly shares.
Competing has allowed Eric meet new people with other disabilities and build his confidence. Now he’s moved onto another competitive sport: table tennis. “It’s a steep learning curve, but I’m glad I took the plunge and started table tennis…I used to play table tennis when I was in primary school,” he shares. “It just comes naturally”. Eric hopes he’ll be able to compete in table tennis at the Paralympics in 2020 in Japan, “If I put enough hours and I can reach that level.”
You never know where your journey might lead you. Share this post with someone who needs an encouragement to follow their athletic dreams.