We’ve just got back from Paris, and what a ride it was watching Will Bayley and Bly Twomey from Brighton Table Tennis Club smash it at the Paralympics! These two didn’t just compete – they owned the stage, bringing home some serious hardware.
Will’s final match was one of those edge-of-your-seat experiences. Every rally, every point was a battle, and the energy in the arena was off the charts. Will fought like a champion to secure that silver medal, and seeing him stay composed under all that pressure was nothing short of inspiring. The best part? After the medal ceremony, his two young daughters ran up to him for a huge hug – it was a special moment that brought a lot of us to tears. A reminder that even at the highest level, it’s all about the people who matter most.
And then there’s Bly – what a talent! At just 14, she showed the world exactly why she’s the future of para table tennis. She walked away with two bronze medals, and the way she handled herself on the court was nothing short of brilliant. Her match in the Women’s Singles WS7 was tough, but watching her take on the world’s best with such grit and determination was incredible. The crowd, made up of over 150 supporters from Brighton, was fully behind her, chanting “We love you Bly, we do,” and cheering her every move. Her connection with the community really shone through, and you could tell it gave her that extra lift.
But what made this experience even more meaningful is what Brighton Table Tennis Club is all about. This isn’t just a place where champions are made – though, clearly, it’s good at that, too! It’s a hub of inclusion, empowerment, and community. Will has said it before: “This club does so much for people from all walks of life – people with disabilities, the homeless – it’s a special place.” And you can feel that energy. It’s not just about performance or medals, but about making a real difference in people’s lives. That spirit was alive and well in Paris, and it’s clear why Will and Bly are both so proud to represent the club.
After the games, they all celebrated back at Brighton Table Tennis Club, and the atmosphere was amazing. Bly, fresh off the train and straight back to school, was all smiles. The support from the community has been massive for both her and Will, and you can tell it’s fueled them to push harder and dream bigger. Will, as always, is looking ahead – not just to his next match, but to how he can inspire others. He’s already planning to visit local schools and hospitals with his medal, hoping to get more people with disabilities into sport. And Bly? She’s ready to keep the momentum going and show other young athletes what’s possible with hard work and dedication.
Brighton Table Tennis Club has really shown it can encourage Paralympic champions, and Will’s right – they’re just getting started. There’s so much talent coming through, and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds.
Being there in Paris to witness all of this was something special. Will and Bly’s success is a testament to their hard work, but also to the power of community and what Brighton Table Tennis Club stands for. This isn’t just about winning – it’s about lifting each other up and showing that with the right support, anything is possible.
Here’s to Will, Bly, and many more future champions from Brighton!
