Para-table tennis player Billy Shilton expressed that his efforts to enhance his game have "showed" this season as he heads to the Paralympics with hopes of winning another medal. Shilton earned a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 during the men’s class 8 team event three years ago after being selected as a wildcard for his first Games. He has since qualified for the Paris Games this spring by securing two gold medals and six additional medals throughout the season. The 25-year-old is also the current world champion in the class 14 doubles event.
"Every day I'm trying to do everything I can to improve and I think it's definitely showed this season," Shilton told BBC Radio Gloucestershire. "The last couple of years were tough for me; I wasn't finding the level that I was training in matches, and I found that quite difficult, but I stuck to the game plan, and everything's started to come into motion now."
Reaching for the Top: Shilton's Paralympic Journey
Shilton, hailing from Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, reached the singles quarter-finals during his last Paralympic appearance in Tokyo and has garnered multiple European medals in his career. This year, he achieved singles gold at the Costa Brava Spanish Open and won gold in the men’s class 14 doubles at the Czech Open. He also claimed two silvers at the US Open and added four bronze medals before his Paralympics campaign kicks off.
A Winning Partnership: Shilton and Karabardak in Doubles
The team event in which he secured bronze in Tokyo has been replaced by the doubles classification in Paris, where Shilton previously won the world title alongside Paul Karabardak in November 2022. This tournament was their second together, and Shilton believes their performance has improved since then. They are seeded fifth in Paris.
"We've played two, three years together as a pair, and we're going from strength to strength; every tournament we're improving," Shilton noted. "I've been working hard the last three years after Tokyo. I sat down with my coaches, and we laid out the position I needed to be in a few months before Paris, and I think that's paid off."
Overcoming Challenges: Shilton's Inspiration
Shilton has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a group of inherited conditions that damage nerves outside the brain and spine, and began his journey in the sport at a local club. Now, his dad and two brothers also participate.
"I wasn't the hugest fan of table tennis at the time; I was loving football when I was a young age," Shilton recalled. "But my disability started to deteriorate, and I needed to find something else. Since then, I've absolutely loved it."
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Shilton
Shilton's journey highlights the power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. As he prepares for the Paris Paralympics, his dedication to his sport and unwavering commitment to improvement have clearly paid off. His experience, talent, and unwavering focus make him a strong contender for a medal in both the singles and doubles events. Shilton's story serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals around the world, demonstrating the possibilities that can be achieved through perseverance and a passion for pursuing one's goals.
A Journey of Triumph
Shilton's path to the Paralympics exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and the incredible potential that lies within every athlete. His journey is a testament to the power of overcoming adversity and the transformative nature of sport. Whether he achieves his goal of winning gold in Paris or not, Shilton's dedication to his craft and his inspiring story will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world of para-table tennis.
