Getting to know our athletes – Justin Philips (GBR)

Over the forthcoming weeks, PVE will be giving the spotlight to the key figures on the court: the players themselves.

Each paravolley athlete boasts a unique story to share. Through a series of interviews, we will have the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the experiences of some of Europe’s most distinguished paravolley athletes, as they guide us through their personal journey in the sport, expressing their passion for the game along the way.

After talking to Thibault Lefrancois from France, Francesca Bosio from Italy, Mirzet Duran from Bosnia Herzegovina, Lena Gabršček from Slovenia, Robert Wydera from Poland, Ceren Özçelik from Türkiye, we head to Great Britain to meet Justin Philips.

When did Justin’s career begin, what does he remember from playing at the London 2012 Paralympics, and is this his biggest achievement so far? Read on.

What was your first experience of sports, and sitting volleyball in particular?

My first experiences of sitting volleyball when I went to Paralympic tryout day back in 2009 and instantly fell in love with it!

What made you decide to become a sitting volleyball athlete?

Getting to move around on your bum and hit a ball at someone sounds fantastic to me ! And I’ve always liked to be involved in a team sport.

When did you begin playing in ParaVolley Europe competitions, and what do you remember from your first competition?

My first competition for sitting volleyball International tournaments back in 2010 was in the United States America, but my actual first European tournament was 2011 in the Netherlands.

What is your personal experience of sports as a professional para-athlete, and what does it mean to you?

Sitting volleyball has bought me so many friends and experiences travelling the world! Meeting people with the same disabilities as me and hearing their stories is fantastic! And how they got involved in sitting volleyball.

What would you say is your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement is reaching London 2012 – to play in front of your home country is a fantastic experience for me. I would love to go to another Paralympic. Probably getting over 100 caps for GB is also a fantastic achievement, but I also appreciate a lot being involved in the women’s program as well as an assistant coach.