Helen Freeman, the newest and youngest addition to the GB Paralympics Women’s Basketball is anxiously waiting the start of this year’s Paralympics this weekend.
Helen who suffers from Myalgic Encephalopathy or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a condition which causes extreme tiredness, first started playing basketball after she was spotted by Ian Laker, coach of the local Aspire Force women’s team, who happened to be measuring her for a wheelchair.

“He just saw me and asked me to go along to try it,” she says. “I tried it and found I was good at it.”

Helen is the team’s youngest player by six years. She was just 12 when she first started playing, and had never dreamed of being in the Paralympic games by the time she had finished her a-levels.

Among her team mates was Ann Wild, one of the most experienced members of the squad and a veteran of the last three Paralympic Games.

“That gave me something to aspire for,” says Helen. “I learned from the best. They gave me a few tips and tricks of the trade. Now I am here it means everything. Basketball has been my life for the last six years.”

Britain will be playing their first match against Athens 2004 silver medallists Australia on Sunday, with matches against reigning champions USA, world bronze medallists Germany and Brazil to come.

“We know it’s going to be tough,” says Helen. “But last time we played Australia we only lost by nine points so we’re confident we can turn it around this time.”

Penelope Hill, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine