Source: Essex Chronicle, Posted June 12, 2016
RIO BOUND: Jonny Cogan and Jim Roberts
The pair, who live together in South Woodham Ferrers, have been selected as part of the Paralympics GB wheelchair rugby team.
Coggan will be participating in his fourth Paralympics, while for Roberts it will a debut appearance in the quadrennial event.
And the 28-year-old is relishing the chance to test himself at the top of his sport after being a spectator last time around.
“I was lucky enough to be living in London when London 2012 was on so it was quite eye-opening being there and watching the wheelchair rugby final,” said Roberts. “But it will be pretty good to compete.
“The Paralympics is the pinnacle of disability sport. There’s the World and European Championships, which we’re currently gold medallists in, in Europe, but the Paralympics is the big one for everyone that’s involved.
“Medalling is the biggest goal, completely. But at the same time, disability sport in general has got so much more competitive, especially since London 2012.
“There’s many more people competing and taking sport seriously, we’re definitely going there to try to medal but all we can do is go out there and do our best.”
Roberts is from North Wales but moved in with his GB and London Wheelchair Rugby Club team-mate to have a base closer to where they train.
It’s further evidence of Coggan’s growing influence as an experienced member of the team.
But so far, a medal has proved elusive since making his debut at the Athens Paralympic Games.
“I’m well prepared for a Paralympics in terms of I know what goes on,” said the 33-year-old.
“I do pass on my experience if anyone comes to me. That’s part of my role, to help them where I can. People ask me and I’m happy to share information and advice.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to represent GB. Hopefully all this hard work will pay off at the end of the day.
“It’s what we’ve been after every time and we’ve got a very good chance this year. I think we’re as strong as we’ve ever been as a GB team, perhaps stronger, and hopefully that’s leaning us towards the success we aim for.
“It works well with me and Jim living together. We can share knowledge and it brings a little bit more understanding between us.”
Great Britain will have to progress from a tough group if they are to succeed, which includes Canada and world champions Australia.