At just 14 years old, Bly Twomey is making waves as the youngest competitor at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Despite her youth, Twomey’s rapid rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Making her international debut in March 2023 at the Costa Brava Spanish Para Open, Twomey has already climbed to the no. 4 spot in the women’s class 7 world rankings.
Holding her position among the sport’s elite, Twomey is now ranked alongside seasoned champions. The top three players ahead of her—Kelly van Zon from the Netherlands, Turkey’s Kubra Korkut, and China’s Wang Rui—have all secured gold at World Championships. Yet, Twomey’s remarkable talent and determination have placed her firmly in their company, despite being more than a decade younger.
“It can give me an advantage, just because they think I’m young. I have the energy and bounce. It’s amazing to know they’re twice my age. I’m facing adults and I’m just 14 years old.”
Twomey heads into Paris on a high, having taken World number one Kelly Van Zon to five games in the semi-final of the Para Showcase event at the Singapore Smash and beating World number two Kubra Korkut on her way to taking gold in the Slovenia Open in May.
“I beat the world No.2, and that’s given me so much confidence. I’m feeling confident to aim at a medal.”
As the youngest player competing in the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Bly’s journey is just beginning. Her exuberance and youthful energy may well be her biggest assets as she continues to challenge the world’s best.
Joining her in team Great Britain is Paralympic gold medalist Will Bayley who she regularly trains with at Brighton Table Tennis Club.
“Will has given me a lot of advice, because he got a gold medal in Rio. He’s told me to enjoy it and have fun.”
Bayley is a true icon in the world of para table tennis. He was named Male Para Player of the Year earlier this year at the International Table Tennis Federation Awards in Busan, South Korea, a recognition of his outstanding performance and dedication to the sport. As he prepares for his fifth Paralympic Games, Bayley already has an impressive track record, including a gold medal from the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games and two silver medals from the Tokyo 2020 Games.
“It’s my fifth Paralympic Games. I honestly never thought I’d get to play two or three—even one was a dream—so to reach a fifth is amazing. It’s so great because my family will be there. I hope to play my best table tennis.”
Bayley’s journey through the Paralympics has been remarkable. Debuting in Beijing in 2008, Bayley has witnessed firsthand the growth of para table tennis at the Paralympics.
“I’m so proud to be a Paralympic athlete. When I competed at the Paralympics in Beijing 2008, it wasn’t as high profile as it is now, but it obviously still meant the world to me. I had trained so hard to get there at a very high standard. But every four years, the levels have got higher, and the attention has been better. It’s just grown and grown. To be a part of that growth and be at each Paralympics has not only been eye-opening, but amazing. I hope para table tennis can take it to another level and keep building.”
Bly Twomey and Will Bayley are set to bring a mix of fresh talent and seasoned experience to Paris. Supporting them will be no less than 70 members of Brighton Table Tennis Club, traveling from the south coast of England to cheer on their local athletes. With this strong support network behind them, Bly and Will are looking forward to making their mark in Paris and continuing to promote the sport they love.
