Gary Smith selected to join ParalympicsGB wheelchair curling team for Beijing 2022

Gary Smith has been selected to join the ParalympicsGB wheelchair curling team set to compete at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in just under five weeks’ time.

Smith will take the place of Charlotte McKenna who had to be withdrawn from the team on medical grounds due to injury.

The Edinburgh-based curler joins Hugh Nibloe, Gregor Ewan, David Melrose and Meggan Dawson-Farrell as alternate in the squad of five that will compete at Beijing’s Ice Cube venue next month.

“To be selected on to the ParalympicsGB team for Beijing means absolutely everything to me, it’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where we are now, but there’s no doubt it’s been worth it,” said Smith, who will celebrate his 53rd birthday on the 5 March – the first day of the wheelchair curling competition in Beijing.

“I’m going to go out there and do this for Charlotte too as I know how much she was looking forward to the opportunity and how hard she had trained. I’m looking forward to making my Paralympic debut and can’t wait to get out to China and compete on the biggest stage there is.”

Sheila Swan, British Curling Paralympic Head Coach said: “I’m devastated for Charlotte that she is unable to be a part of the British Paralympic team travelling to Beijing, and we all hope she recovers quickly and returns to the ice soon. Fortunately, Gary is a without doubt a fantastic addition to the team and a long-standing, integral member of the British Curling

Programme. I know he will seize this opportunity wholeheartedly and be an asset to the team.”

Phil Smith, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission added: “My heart goes out to Charlotte who is now unable to make her Paralympic debut due to injury, and I wish her a speedy recovery. However, with the disappointment of Charlotte’s injury comes a tremendous opportunity for Gary who I know will step up to the occasion with great focus and determination not only to do his country proud, but Charlotte as well. I am delighted to welcome him to the ParalympicsGB team.”