Soldier’s praise for Paralympians
A SOLDIER who lost both legs in a Afghanistan bomb blast has given the thumbs up to Paralympic sport – despite not always understanding the rules.
Sports mad Jay Baldwin, 27, said the indivdual accomplishments were an inspiration for the whole country.
But despite praising the physical feats of the Games he said he has not considered a bid for Paralympic glory himself.
Jay, of Southghate, said: “I wasn’t overly keen on the Paralympics at first, it was very confusing with all the categories. But with all the focus on Paralympic sport and with all the soldiers coming back injured I think GB will have the best team in the world come Rio.
“I think you’d be a fool not to be inspired by the Paralympians. Their day-to-day lives must be really hard but the way they’ve picked themselves up and said ‘I’m going to be the fastest runner in the world’ is just incredible.”
For the time being dad-of-two Jay is concentrating on learning to walk again, moving into his new adapted house and the pregnancy of his partner Emmi.
And his passion for playing golf and watching Crawley Town FC, where he is a vocal presence on the sidelines.
After losing both legs in January 2012 Jay is trialling state-of-the-art American prosthetics and is full of confidence about his rehabilitation.
He said: “It’s going brilliantly, in a weird kind of way I’m enjoying the rehab. I never wished for my legs to be blown off but it’s given me a challenge.”
His aim is to take the match ball out at the Broadfield Stadium again like he did in March – only this time on his new legs rather then by wheelchair.
Hard-working Jay has even been approached by cricket clubs about playing again after hearing about his skills from his Ifield days.
He added: “I tried to play the other day and I felt like a right prat. I couldn’t hit the ball how I wanted, but I think it will come with practice.”
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Weather for Crawley
Tuesday 21 May 2013
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Temperature: 9 C to 17 C
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