PARALYMPICS LONDON 2012: Norfolk upbeat of title defence despite mixed recent form

By Paul Smith, Sportsbeat, London 2012

PETER Norfolk may have some reservations about his form going into London 2012, but the two-time Paralympic gold medallist insists he remains the man to beat.

Britain’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Games, the wheelchairtennis ace has endured a dip in form since winning the Australian Open in January – his fifth Grand Slam title.

Norfolk will once again compete in the singles and doubles in the quad division, which is for players whose impairment affects three or more limbs.

He has slipped to number three in the world rankings, but remains confident he is the one that others fear.

“I’ve not actually had a particularly good year,” said the 51-year-old. “But I have got my head down and done a lot of training and soul searching because you have got to open yourself up to criticism.

“I’m really looking forward to it now, I have got some scores to rectify.

“I have been ranked first or second in the last 10 years and I’m going in as number three, so for me I think there is a lot of pressure on the other players who are in better form.

“I’m quite happy where I am at and at the end of the day they know I am the best player in the world.” 

© Sportsbeat 2012