ANGUSalive Celebrates local Arbroath Athlete Gregor Anderson’s journey in Para Sports
As part of ANGUSalive’s developing athlete programme we caught up with Gregor Anderson, a local athlete from Arbroath. He has navigated an inspiring journey in the world of Para Sports and we trace his journey from primary school, all the way to becoming an international athlete with Scotland.
Gregor has Heretary Spastic Paraplegia – a neurological condition that affects his lower limbs – but this hasn’t deterred his ability or passion to trying and excelling in multiple sports.
Gregor’s introduction to Para Sports occurred in primary 6 at a parasport festival held at Carnoustie Sports Centre. He was shortly exposed to various other sports activities, including horse riding at The Braes for the disabled and rebound therapy by the staff at Saltire Sports Centre (Arbroath) using trampolines, all as part of his physiotherapy.
It was however another Parasport festival at Gardyne Sports Centre (Dundee & Angus College), where Gregor met Kevin Rattray and the Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey, opening doors to many different sports. Shortly afterwards he discovered a passion for Wheelchair Rugby League and by the age of 14, Gregor found himself playing league matches against adult teams from England and Wales. He has since gone on to represent Scotland in Wheelchair Rugby League, earning two caps at the 2023 World Cup in England.
Gregor’s sporting interests expanded to golf where at Carnoustie – where he is a current season ticket holder – he achieved an impressive third place in the Scottish Open in 2019. He also tried other sports including basketball and curling, where he partnered Paralympian Charlotte McKenna at Dundee Ice Arena winning the Friendship Trophy.
Despite trying various sports, Gregor found his true calling in wheelchair badminton three years ago.
Training 6 days a week, Gregor was coached by Fiona Christie and Niall Jarvie and has clinched a hoard of titles, including the Scottish Championships, Discovery Games, P&K Disability Sport, and Glasgow West. Impressively, he secured gold at the Scottish 4 Nations tournament and made a significant impact at the European Championships in Rotterdam, earning a world ranking and qualifying for the World Championships in Thailand.
Gregor’s training regimen involves sessions with the National Squad, coached by Kirsty Flockhart in Dunfermline, and he recently participated in his first GB Camp in Durham. Despite facing challenges due to his condition, Gregor continues to excel competitively.
We are delighted to see Gregor so regularly at both our Arbroath Sports Centre and Carnoustie Sports Centre – rooting for you this season, Gregor!