Paris 2024 Flash Quotes: Wheelchair basketball

Comments from ParalympicsGB wheelchair basketball players following this morning’s session.

The men’s team won 76-55 against Germany before the women’s team beat Spain 69-34 in their opening group matches.

Terry Bywater

Sport: Men’s wheelchair basketball

Age: 41

Hometown: Redcar

“You could feel the energy in the arena when we got here. The energy in that stadium is incredible. Thank you, Paris that was ridiculous. The atmosphere and the buzz of having your family in the crowd. I think we sent a message today. We sent a clear message that we're here and we're ready to play. We have a fantastic team but so do Germany and do beat a team like that by over 20 points that sent a big message. The boys did a great job today, Gregg came out shooting like Gregg [Warburton] does and this is very exciting times for us.

“I have a huge amount of respect for that German team, they're very talented and have some great shooters. But today, the way we pushed the floor and the energy, we were not scared to shoot the ball and we were shooting it well. For me that was a fantastic start to the Games.”

Phil Pratt

Sport: Men’s wheelchair basketball

Age: 30

Hometown: Cardiff

“I feel great, this is my first Paralympic Games since 2016 and to be the captain of this team having not played a competitive match since Rio is crazy. Personally, it was really cool to get out in front of that amazing French crowd.

“It is very emotional. It didn't really hit me until we came out of the tunnel today onto the court. Being the last one to come out was unbelievable and I genuinely got goosebumps. These guys believe in me to lead them and hopefully I can do enough to get us there and fingers crossed when it comes to the medal games we will be ready.”

 On their performance:

“I'm super proud of our guys, Gregg Warburton does what Gregg Warburton does and he was on fire whilst our bench was on fire. We have a lot of offensive firepower in our team and shooters everywhere. It's a cliche saying but basketball is a game of runs. Germany are an unbelievable team and they are one of the favourites to win. To go into that game thinking we were going to win by 30 points would have been stupid so we really had to lose them on momentum.”

Robyn Love

Sport: Women’s wheelchair basketball

Age: 34

Hometown: Ayr

On their performance:

“In these group stages, you can't get too high or too low but I'm so proud of the squad and how we performed, especially the performances of Jade [Atkin] and Lucy [Robinson].

“Those two coming out and dominating and doing what they do was really special for me to see.”

On the crowd:

“At Tokyo, a man and his dog wasn't allowed in to watch us so the fact that we have thousands of people here supporting is magic.

“We came in before to watch the boys and it was really nice to feel that atmosphere and energy and it settled the nerves and allowed us to come out flying from the start.”

On her daughter Alba being here:

“This whole journey to Paris she has been with us. She came with us to Japan, China, Madrid, just every step she's been with us. She's like a little good luck charm and emotional support baby for the squad and she's definitely part of the team. The first thing I did when I came out was look for her. Whenever I see her face it makes me relaxed because I know that whatever I do, she doesn't care about the result she's here to watch her mummies and see her mummies and I went and had a little cuddle with her afterwards.”

Sophie Carrigill

Sport: Women’s wheelchair basketball

Age: 30

Hometown: Wakefield

“It feels really good to get that first win. The girls performed exactly as we wanted to. Everyone got time on court today and delivered and struck to our game plan. That impact coming off the bench is our super strength and we can always change things up and be super impactful. That's our strength and the girls have worked really hard over the last couple of years to get that first win off our back.”

On going for a medal:

“This is our time. We have a really amazing coaching staff who are tactically brilliant and I really think that gives us the edge. We're ready and that's what makes the difference, working together and being successful.”