Story 37: Wheelchair Tennis

Though wheelchair tennis has always been popular in BC, it's experienced an even greater resurgence in the past year. Our province is already home to some of Canada's greatest wheelchair tennis athletes; in fact, three BC athletes (Sarah Hunter, Yuka Chokyu and Paul Johsnon) hold Canadian records for the longest consecutive championship titles and have represented Canada at several Paralympics.

Most recently, however, BCWSA and Bridging the Gap have been working to increase developmental opportunities for local athletes. Wheelchair tennis has been the focus of several "Have a Go" days and a new recreational league has begun across the Lower Mainland. (To see this league in action, check out our Developmental video here). In today's photo slideshow, we pay tribute to past champions while looking ahead to our future.

Profile: Paul Johnson

Victoria athlete Paul Johnson began wheelchair sports as a track athlete. After representing Canada at the 1988 Paralympics, however, he turned his attention to wheelchair tennis and began a record-breaking career. From 1991 to 2000, Johnson won the Canadian national singles championships nine times. His winning streak from 1991 - 1998 still stands as Canada's longest. He was also the doubles champion from 1993 - 2000. On the national stage, Paul represented Canada at three Paralympics and two World Team Cups. He was named BCWSA's Athlete of the Year in 2000.

Check out our wheelchair tennis slideshow below: