Dumbarton's Martin Perry secures dream Paralympic spot after 15 years of graft

Dumbarton Table tennis ace Martin Perry said he broke down with emotion after securing his place at this summer’s Paralympic Games.

Bronze at the Polish Open was enough for the 29-year-old to secure his spot in Paris, three years after heartbreakingly missing out on making it to the Tokyo Games in a last chance qualifier.

But Martin, who has a condition known as congenital limb loss and deformity which resulted in him being born with no hands and only one leg, now says the pain of 2021 was made worthwhile by the joy of realising his dream of becoming a Paralympian.

Martin told the Lennox: “It’s been a career filled with heartbreak.

“Obviously I have achievements that I’m proud of, but this is the pinnacle of our sport.

“When I won the final point in Poland, I went to let out a roar of emotion that had bubbled up inside of me.

“But instead it was a massive sigh of relief that came out.

“It hit me that I’d finally done it. It was a whirlwind of emotions.

“After the match I said to my coach that I thought I was in.

“He confirmed it.

“I climbed over the barriers, sat on a seat and just broke down.

“It’s been almost 15 years of hard work, graft and dedication to get here.

“It’s been an amazing journey.”

And Martin is already excited to be joined in Paris by two very special fans – as well as friends from Drumchapel Table Tennis Club where he plays.

Martin continued: “With it being in Paris it’s as close as I’ll ever get to having a home games too.

“Hopefully my wife Siobhain and Beira, my daughter, who was only born in December, can come.

“I’m looking forward to it so much.

“All being well I’ll be Scotland’s first table tennis athlete at an Olympic or Paralympic event in the modern-era of the Games.

“That’s an incredibly proud achievement for myself and for my family. I think half of Scotland has signed up to come down.

“I won’t be upset if people can’t make it in person as I know the support has been there since the very beginning. But it means the world to me to have Siobhain and Beira there.

“Some people from Drumchapel Table Tennis Club are going to get out as well, and it’s really a case of the more the merrier.”

And he says he is putting no pressure on himself for Paris, admitting that representing Team GB is a lifelong dream in itself.

“I’m in the mindset that I’ve qualified and I’m going to be a Paralympian.

“Nobody can take that away from me,” added Martin.

“I’m going with no expectations.

“But I’ve proven at major championships that I can play at that level and win medals.

“To be honest, just being there is a win. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ll be doing everything that I can to bring home a medal for Team GB.

“To say I’m a Paralympian now though is almost a medal in itself.”