Internet serves up a star…Dan Bethell

Dan Bethell was just 14 when he realised his disability ruled him out of his dream career as a tennis player, as the only category in the Paralympics was wheelchair tennis.

So, he Googled, “what sports can I compete at with cerebral palsy” – and “up popped badminton.”

Now, 12 years later, Dan, from Bath, is not only the world’s top para-badminton player but he is about to embark on the gruelling round of qualifiers for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Dan competes in the SL3 category, which means he plays on one half of a conventional badminton court and has won multiple medals in both men’s singles and men’s doubles.

His medal haul includes three European Championship Gold medals in men’s singles and four World Championship medals including a silver medal in men’s singles at the 2019 World Championships at Basel Switzerland.

However, his greatest achievement to date is becoming the first British badminton player to win a medal at the Paralympics when he won silver in the SL3 Men’s singles at the Tokyo 2020 games.

In 2022 he was undefeated with a record of 21-0, won 4 international titles and became World Number 1 – and, if he passes the 13-month round of qualifiers, he has Paralympic gold in his sights.

“Growing up I played many sports including rugby, tennis, football and cricket,” said Dan, who is currently based at a training centre at Sheffield, ““but racquet sports were always my favourite, with members of my family competing at a high level in tennis.”

“So, I sat on my bed and did a Google search and when badminton came up I thought – because my hand eye coordination is good – it was worth a try,” he said.

Dan joined a badminton club – training and playing alongside able-bodied players – and entered his first competition in 2010.

Alongside his athletic career, he has obtained a law degree and a masters in International Commercial Law from the University of Bristol and is a keen advocate of the benefits of robust mental health and a positive attitude.

“I think I’m proof that if you put your mind to something – and if you really commit to it 100 per cent – then you can do it,” he said.