By Elizabeth Hudson

Norfolk goes into the Paralympics as world number one

World number one quad tennis player Peter Norfolk is hoping the after-effects of a shoulder injury will not hinder his chances of Paralympic gold.

The 43-year-old from Hampshire suffered the injury in June in a fall while cycling and has been out of competitive action since then.

But he is confident he will be fit to go for glory in Athens.

"It's not the ideal preparation but I think it has taken the pressure off me ahead of the Games," said Norfolk.

Norfolk has had a remarkable 18 months, winning eight tournaments in a row, including all four Super Series events (the wheelchair tennis equivalent of the Grand Slam).

He began his run with victory in last year's British Open and US Open and completed the feat with wins in this year's Australian and Japan Opens.

He sat out this year's British Open in Nottingham with the injury but admits he is looking forward to the first-ever Paralympic quad tournament in Athens, where he will take part in the singles and doubles competitions.

"I've taken it easy since the injury and I'm happy with the way I've been coming back," he said.

"I have to look on the lay-off positively, although it isn't ideal preparation for a tournament like the Paralympics.

"In some ways, it is making it easier for me to focus on Athens and, although I won't have the tournament practice, I will be going into the Games unbeaten and as world number one.

I have lots of ambitions in life and one of those is to win a Paralympic gold medal Peter Norfolk

"The standard of wheelchair tennis is improving all the time and the quad game shows people that whatever your level of disability you can still play wheelchair tennis," he added.

Quad tennis differs from the men's and women's game as players have a third limb affected and the game is mixed.

Norfolk straps his racket to his hand so he has a fixed grip which can't be altered during the game and which also affects his pushing as he can't grip the wheel of the chair.

Norfolk faces all of his usual rivals in Athens, including world number two David Wagner, whom he has beaten in three tournament finals this year.

He could also come up against Wagner's fellow American Nicholas Taylor, who uses a power chair to move around the court and serves by throwing the ball up with his foot.

As well as bidding for singles success, Norfolk also has a good chance of doubles glory, where he partners Mark Eccleston, the current world number six.

"Although I know the competitors I will come up against, there is different pressure when you are playing for your country and it depends on who plays best on the way," said Norfolk.

"I have lots of ambitions in life and one of those is to win a Paralympic gold medal but I would be happy to win any medal."