LAUREN JONES
Wheelchair Tennis
"Think about what you can do - not what you can NOT, No matter what your situation, it could always be worse"
“In 2009 at the age of 13 I fell out of a tree and broke my back, this left me unable to walk and a full time wheelchair user. Prior to my accident I played football professionally, I have always been an active sporty person with a flair for ball sports. Whilst undergoing rehabilitation in Stoke Mandeville hospital I was introduced to Wheelchair Tennis”.
Lauren’s dream is to win Grand Slam Titles, Paralympic Medal and become world No 1. Outside of her tennis career, she aspires to change the way people’s perception on disabilities, she wants to normalize disability and share her story.
Lauren plays 20-25 hours per week. Her best career ranking has been 24th in the world and today she is ranked 4th in UK. To pay for her expenses Lauren works as an inspirational speaker and relies on funding by Tennis Foundation, companies and individual donors. Funding from Path to Success has been crucial, it has enabled Lauren to continue her career goal in taking part in Tokyo 2020.
“Playing tennis has completely changed my life. I love the technical styles of the game. You have to put in the hours to succeed. I chose the sport because it is impressive, difficult, challenging.”
2019
"2019 has been a year in which I have focused on structure and putting together a team and training programme to best support my goals. I have made great progress in my mentality and feel I have matured as an athlete.
Following major surgery in February a main focus for my year was to sustain a good level of health and fitness to physically support my tennis ability.
I have achieved PB's in all physical testing, Both on and off court and feel fit and ready for the 2020 season. Looking forward to 2020 I aim to continue and build on this programme and rise up the rankings to achieve career highs breaking into the top 20 in the world."