Guest blog: Emma Wiggs, GB Sitting Volleyball
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Emma Wiggs
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Emma Wiggs 24 April 2012
I didn’t think life could get any more exciting but the rollercoaster that is life as a GB sitting volleyballer has taken a massive jump up with ParalympicsGB’s official announcement that we have been granted our Host Nation spot for the London 2012 Paralympics. We have shown significant improvements in both personal fitness and team performances and this means at last we as a team have a slot in the 2012 Games. Despite my optimism about getting the ‘yes’, it was a massive relief to get the call. Selection will be made in June so the battle begins to remain fit and in with a chance to make the cut for the final 11 players. Bring it on!
We have recently returned from Egypt and the Intercontinental Cup. The first two days were training and getting used to the facilities and hotel. The food was brilliant and the staff amazingly helpful. Our schedule was pretty relaxed compared to previous tournaments, although we started against World No 1 China.
There were a few highlights and a few frustrating lowlights. Against China our aim was to better our scores from 2011 and we did more than that; we had them worried at times with our attacking and blocking. Against Brazil we took a set and could have really challenged for the game but an inability to finish it off meant we lost 3-1. Finally, Ukraine, who were on fire and are a real threat to China and the USA. Overall it was a massive improvement and a real step forward as a team. Other coaches, officials and players were surprised by our progress and complimented us on their worries about playing us! As always, the ups and downs are very hard to take and my competitive nature proves a real battle at times when disappointment just eats away at me.
The plan is to move to Loughborough June-time to train as a complete team Monday to Friday, then to Bath and then on to the Athlete Village. A busy few months but with you all behind me anything is possible!
