Simply standing up could leave teenager Jordanne Whiley in danger of breaking a leg. But it doesn’t stop her powering her way around the tennis court.
And it is her unstoppable determination which has seen the Halesowen girl rocket to the top of the wheelchair tennis rankings, putting her in serious contention for a place at the Beijing paralympics in 2008.
Jordanne was born with brittle bones like her father Keith. The condition only affects her legs and, although she can walk, just standing could cause her to suffer broken bones.
However, from the age of three, Earls High School pupil Jordanne has been busy honing her tennis skills from her wheelchair.
Now the 14-year-old is ranked as the number one junior wheelchair tennis player in the country and is in the top four in the world.
Keith, also a wheelchair tennis player, said: “She first picked up a tennis racket at a tournament I was playing at in Israel 12 years ago.
“She started taking it seriously probably around five years ago and I would never have guessed where it would have got to today.”
Jordanne and her father now enjoy a friendly rivalry and Keith has promised his daughter £500 when she can beat him in three consecutive sets. He said: “She is getting closer.”
Jordanne trains three times a week at clubs in Solihull and King’s Heath.
She said: “I love playing tennis especially tournaments for the excitement of winning. The training is hard but worth it.
“I would love to take part in Beijing and again in London in 2012. I’m excited and will be disappointed if i miss this chance.”
Jordanne has already competed in tournaments as far afield as Florida, Holland, Switzerland, France and Germany, the cost of which adds up.
Keith said: “It is an expensive sport. The titanium wheelchairs cost about £2,500 and then there is the travel and all the rest of it. We haven’t taken a proper holiday in a while, but that is just what you have to do.”
Anyone who can help with donations to help Jordanne can contact Keith on 07815184816.
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