Great Britain’s Norfolk halts full-time career

Double Paralympic wheelchair tennis champion Peter Norfolk, known as the “Quadfather” will no longer compete full-time in the sport. 30 Jan 2013

A picture of a man in a wheelchair playing a backhand during a wheelchair tennis match

Great Britain's Peter Norfolk playing a backhand during the quad doubles wheelchair tennis gold medal match at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

ⒸGetty Images

By IPC

"I look forward to staying involved with the Tennis Foundation and I hope I can inspire more disabled people in this country to take up tennis, as it's such a brilliant and fun sport to play."

After 12 years of international competition, Peter Norfolk, nicknamed the “Quadfather,” announced on Tuesday (29 January) that he will no longer compete full-time on the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour.

The double Paralympic quad singles champion will concentrate on growing his business, Equipment for the Physically Challenged (EPC), as well as spending more time with his wife Linda and two young children.

Norfolk won gold at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games and was Great Britain’s flag bearer at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.

"I haven't had a break from the Tour for 12 years and I feel it is time to dedicate some of my time to other areas of my life," Norfolk said.

"I have enjoyed some incredible moments in my career and I want to thank everyone who has been a part of that, especially those who have given up their time and efforts to help me get to the top.

"I look forward to staying involved with the Tennis Foundation and I hope I can inspire more disabled people in this country to take up tennis, as it's such a brilliant and fun sport to play."

Norfolk, 52, will still compete in some major tournaments but most likely will not continue on the path to the Rio 2016 Games.

Although he is also leaving the Tennis Foundation’s Performance Programme, he will remain closely involved with the Foundation offering support to players on the programme as well as inspiring new players to take up the sport at camps and open days.