Will Smith

Aged 10, Will's right leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma. After relearning to walk, he took up badminton, making excellent progress, soon playing with able-bodied players in junior county squads. At 15 Will won a bronze medal in the European (adult) Parabadminton Championships and has since won many medals nationally and internationally, competing against top players in the world. Will is an inspiring role model, having visited injured soldiers and patients facing amputation, showing them how well one can adapt after losing a limb. Will has already faced adversity with tenacity and, now a final year university student, is an internationally highly ranked and respected parabadminton player. He volunteers in local special schools using his Level 1 coaching skills to inspire children with learning and physical disabilities. Gracious in defeat, Will respects the ability of his opponents and is always pleased to see new players achievnig success in adversity.