We organised a Q&A with our sponsored athlete, Keith Gray, to find out more about him and his sport, curling.
1. What made you get into curling? How long have you been curling?
Sport has played a massive part in my life. I’ve been successful in horse riding, swimming and wheelchair racing in the past. My long-standing dream has been to compete at a Paralympic Games and wheelchair curling feels like a sport that might still give me a chance to do that as an “older” athlete.
I attended a Talent Assessment Day run by British Curling, in April 2023, after a chance meeting with their Paralympic Pathway Manager, Cheryl Lappin, around that time. After throwing my first stones on that day, I was asked to return in August 2023 for more on-ice testing. I impressed the coaching staff enough on those days to be invited to join their new development squad on the Paralympic Pathway programme from September 2023.
I progressed to the national Scotland squad setup in January 2024 and recently made another move upwards to the World Class Performance programme from the beginning of this year – less than 18 months into my curling career.
2. Are there any differences between curling and wheelchair curling?
The rules of curling and wheelchair curling are remarkably similar! Both versions of the sport are played on the same sheets of ice and with the same stones.
The only real difference is that wheelchair curling has none of the sweeping that is utilised in curling. Arguably we have to be even more accurate as once we push the stone there is no way to influence its journey on the ice!
3. How often do you train and compete?
The training requirements have gradually increased as I’ve moved through British Curling’s development pathway and on to the World Class Performance programme this year.
We currently train together as a squad on three days per week. This includes on-ice sessions, as well as strength and conditioning work in the gym. We also discuss tactical analysis and team culture aspects in classroom sessions.
I do those sessions and additional individual gym work whilst also working part-time as a software trainer for a company in Edinburgh.
Competitions take place regularly between September and April. Many events happen in Scotland, as it’s the birthplace of curling. However, there’s plenty of events hosted across Europe and further afield.
4. Do you require any adaptations for wheelchair curling?
Wheelchair curling is one of the most accessible para-sports as players can use their everyday wheelchair to compete; just need to make sure our wheels are as clean as possible!
We use a delivery cue to play our shots. Cues vary in length and weight (within certain limits) depending on personal preference and the nature of each player’s disability.
5. What age were you diagnosed with cerebral palsy? How does it impact your daily living?
I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy around 2 years old but it’s a condition I’ve actually had since birth. Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage which affects muscle development, coordination and balance.
As a result, I use a wheelchair to get around on a daily basis due to reduced mobility and fatigue.
6. How does Podiatry help you?
I have been having podiatry treatment for many years now. The team at Grant Podiatry have helped me with my routine footcare, it can be difficult to care for my own feet. Looking after my feet is an important to me, not only for my health but also for my mobility and independence.
8. How do you keep warm on the ice?
Wearing lots of layers seems to be the trick to keeping warm whilst on ice! A good pair of thermal socks and insulated boots are a must.
I’ve recently started wearing waterproof and thermal ski trousers during ice sessions – they’ve been a real game-changer; I feel like I’m sitting inside a cosy sleeping bag!
I expect that a set of heated insoles would really help to keep my toes warm but I haven’t found the perfect pair quite yet.
9. What has been your greatest achievement in curling so far?
Although joining the World Class Performance programme within 18 months of starting my curling journey ranks highly, I think that our recent win in the Euro Super League event in Stirling is probably my biggest achievement so far.
10. Are there any competitions/events you have your sights set on?
As I mentioned earlier, the big goal/dream is to make the team for the Paralympic Games. The Milan/Cortina 2026 event really isn’t far away now but I know that I have time on my side in this sport so the 2030 Games in the French Alps are a most realistic target.
Grant Podiatry are delighted to be sponsoring Keith to help him with his Paralympic dream.
Photo credits to @rubiphotography_ch
