sRotherham student aiming for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics dream

Connor Etherton, aged 17, realised his passion for Judo aged around 11 when he and a friend went to try it out.

Since then he has competed for Great Britain in a number of high-profile judo competitions.

On the road to his paralympic dream, he will first compete in the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games 2017 in Sheffield.

He said “It doesn’t matter if you have a disability or not if you are determined enough you can overcome it and it can make you a better person, so don’t let your disability hold you back.”

Throughout school Connor was able to practise as part of the Great Britain squad.

He is now studying for a certificate in employability skills (entry 3) animal care at Rotherham College, which is now sponsoring him.

A spokesperson for the college said: “With his end goal being the Paralympics, Connor worked and continues to work extremely hard and has a lot of dedication to his judo, training three or four times a week with strength and cardio sessions almost every day.

“His sport is very demanding but Connor is more than up to the challenge.”

“In the future Connor is planning on enrolling onto a childcare course, as he wishes to become a role model and inspire children to participate in sports.”

*Prospective students are welcome to attend an open night at the college’s town centre campus in Eastwood Lane.

The event will be held on Wednesday, November 9, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm.

For more information contact the college on 01709 722777 or email [email protected]