Buckinghamshire athlete reflects on her Paralympic career to date
The wheelchair fencing athlete kicked start to her impressive career only a year before heading to London 2012
British Paralympic fencer from Buckinghamshire, Gemma Collis, has competed in her fourth Paralympic Games in Paris.
She is among over 200 athletes to have fought for medals in this year's Games, in what she labelled an event that felt like a 'home game' with the close proximity of the French capital.
She has reflected on her journey since she first took up fencing less than a year before the 2012 London Games, soon becoming a prominent figure in wheelchair fencing, and remaining as enthusiastic about the sport as ever.
She said: "I remember going into London. When I went there, I was just like, ‘wow, I want to do this again'."
She revealed that, at the time, the idea of competing in multiple Paralympics felt distant.
"One of my teammates was at his fifth Games, and I thought, ‘if I could just even go to two, that would be incredible.’ Now, it’s still just as exciting", she added.
Collis reflected on the unique atmosphere of each Games she’s participated in.
London provided her with significant support from family and friends, something she missed in Rio and Tokyo due to logistical challenges and the pandemic.
She said: "I had a lot of support in London… and to actually be so close to home again, it almost feels like a second home Games opportunity.
"It adds so much when you can pick out a few faces in the crowd and hear some of your loved ones."
With an impressive track record that includes being a World Cup winner, European silver medallist, and Commonwealth champion, Collis acknowledged the pressure that comes with being one of the top competitors in her sport.
However, she has worked on a positive mental approach.
"I try and think, well, actually, other people need to worry about me because I’m a handful," she said.
"I’m one of the best girls in the world, so if you want to beat me, I’m not going to give it up easily."
Central to Collis’ competition preparation is maintaining a light-hearted approach, which includes some unique pre-competition rituals.
Every competition morning, she watches the film Cool Runnings and surrounds herself with mascots for emotional support.
Athletes will soon be returning home from the Paris Games, but not before a well-deserved celebration at the Closing Ceremony tonight.