Australia's Melissa Tapper is hoping to defy the odds and minimise the effects of her disability to beat able-bodied athletes in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
The 24-year-old, who has chronic nerve damage to her arm and shoulder after being born with Erbs Palsy, will compete in both the team and mixed doubles table tennis events in Glasgow.
By doing so, Tapper stands on the brink of Australian history by becoming the first athlete with a disability to square off against able-bodied opponents, and she refuses to be hindered by her condition in the quest for victory.
"At times, people have a different attitude towards me because I have a disability," she is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
"But I just try to go out there and show them that I am there to compete like everyone else. I want to win, so they will have to beat me."
The Games' opening ceremony kicks off at 8pm tonight.
Written by
Shane Callaghan
Shane Callaghan
