Bywater inspired by son, aims for gold in wheelchair basketball Paralympics
Bywater carries British flag, inspired to win first Paralympic gold
Terry Bywater, selected as the flagbearer for the British delegation at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, experienced an emotional moment upon seeing his son in the crowd during the Opening Ceremony. The seasoned wheelchair basketball player, participating in his seventh Paralympic Games, was deeply moved when his 15-year-old son, Benjamin, cheered him on from the stands.
At the Place de la Concorde, Bywater had the honour of carrying the British flag alongside wheelchair tennis player Lucy Shuker, a recognition bestowed upon him by his fellow athletes. The sight of his son waving a flag adorned with “Bywater number seven” was a poignant moment for the 41-year-old athlete.
Reflecting on the experience, Bywater expressed how the ceremony was a dream come true. “I still get emotional now because it was a dream for me,” he said. Bywater is part of Aldi’s Nearest and Dearest programme, which aims to provide support to athletes and minimise distractions, enabling them to concentrate on their performance.
@TerryBywater07 on being selected as GB flagbearer! 🇬🇧
Read more 📰https://t.co/UBVQaa6O8W pic.twitter.com/jvv8OKHovd
— British Wheelchair Basketball (@BritWheelBBall) August 27, 2024
Walking into the stadium with the flag gave Bywater goosebumps. The streets were lined with crowds, 10 to 15 rows deep, creating an unforgettable scene. However, the most special moment for Bywater was seeing his son in the crowd, proudly cheering him on. “Seeing my son in the crowd waving his flag that said Bywater number seven and shouting ‘dad’ was very emotional,” he shared. The fact that he was chosen by his peers made the honour even more significant for him.
Following the ceremony, Bywater had to quickly shift focus to his team’s performance. The very next day, at 10.30am, he was back on the court for Great Britain’s first game of the tournament. Recognising the importance of rest, he did not stay for the remainder of the ceremony. Instead, he took a bus back to the athlete village and was in bed by 10:45 pm to ensure he was well-prepared for the game.
Great Britain made a strong start to their competition, securing a 76-55 victory over Germany. Bywater contributed in the final three minutes of the game, helping to extend their lead. The match was held at the Bercy Arena, where the energy from the crowd was palpable. Bywater believes that the victory sends a clear message about Britain’s intentions in the wheelchair basketball tournament as they aim for their first Paralympic gold medal in Paris.
“You could feel the energy in the arena when we got here,” Bywater stated. The atmosphere was electric, and Bywater felt that the team’s performance made a strong statement. “I think we sent a message today. We sent a clear message that we’re here and we’re ready to play,” he said. He acknowledged the strength of the German team, making their 20-point win even more significant. “We have a fantastic team but so do Germany, and to beat a team like that by over 20 points sends a big message. The boys did a great job today and this is a very exciting time for us,” Bywater noted.
Aldi, proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB, supports athletes through to Paris 2024. This partnership is part of a broader effort to provide athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed. Bywater’s emotional experience at the Opening Ceremony and the team’s strong start in the tournament underscore the importance of this support.
Throughout his career, Bywater has been a consistent presence in wheelchair basketball, earning four bronze medals in previous Games. His determination to achieve gold in Paris is evident, and the support from his family and peers adds to his motivation. The sight of his son cheering him on serves as a powerful reminder of what he is striving for, both on and off the court.
As the Games continue, Bywater and his team will look to build on their strong start, aiming to achieve their ultimate goal. The energy and support from the crowd, combined with the team’s skill and determination, set the stage for an exciting and potentially historic tournament in wheelchair basketball for Great Britain.
