Megan Shackleton has been included in a squad of 11 athletes that will represent ParalympicsGB in the table tennis events at the Paralympic Games in Paris next month.

The 25-year-old from Todmorden who won women's class 4-5 team bronze in Tokyo just missed out on automatic qualification on her world ranking this time but received a wild card from the IPC to compete in Paris.

"It has definitely taken a while to sink in," said Shackleton. "I felt relieved and really happy because I've put a lot of hard work into this cycle and it has been really challenging so it's nice to reap the rewards from that and it is obviously a huge honour to represent ParalympicsGB again.

"I think the experience of competing in Tokyo and coming away with a medal was absolutely huge - managing the pressure that comes with it during the Games - so I feel I know a little bit more about what to expect but I'm just really grateful to have the opportunity to play in a Paralympic Games again."

The class 4 World number nine has been in great form this season, taking gold in the USA, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Poland.

"My form this year gives me a lot of confidence," she said. "I put a lot of hard work into trying to get those results and get those wins and as I've got older, I'm just trying to consolidate wins when it matters so that when I turn up in Paris hopefully I can put in some good performances and really challenge the top players.

"What is really exciting about Paris is that, unlike Tokyo, family and friends can all be there, so I think I'll have quite a big crew out there supporting me. A lot of my friends have started looking at buying tickets so they're all really excited and I 'm just happy for them as well that they get to experience a Games and see someone they love competing after supporting me for a long time.

"I want to go into Paris feeling excited and knowing I've put a lot of hard work in but like most athletes I think everyone dreams of coming away with a medal. I don't believe it is completely out of my reach so I will be challenging for that but as long as I bring the performances I know I can to the table I'll be at peace with the outcome either way."

The table tennis events in Paris will take place from August 29-September 7 at the South Paris Arena 4 with the doubles events preceding the singles. Shackleton is competing in the mixed class 7 doubles (with Tom Matthews) and the women's class 4 singles.

Media Enquiries:

For further information about the British Para Table Tennis Team and/or photographs please contact the BPTT media officer Francesca Bullock on 07768 515841 or email: francesca@fbullock.co.uk

Further information about Megan Shackleton is available here: https://www.britishparatabletennis.com/blogs/players/megan-shackleton

Follow the British Para Table Tennis Team on X (Twitter) @BritishParaTT