West Ham cheers on tennis ace Andy Lapthorne at Paralympics

The passion for West Ham United runs deep in the veins of Andy Lapthorne, Great Britain’s number one wheelchair tennis player. That devotion blended with his relentless competitive spirit during a special visit to Rush Green, where the London team was training ahead of an exciting 2024–25 season. For Lapthorne, it was more than just a day on the pitch; it was a shot of adrenaline before stepping onto the court at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Lapthorne, one of the most prominent wheelchair tennis players in the world, is gearing up for a new battle in Paris, where he will pursue the coveted gold medal that has so far eluded him. On Friday, his journey begins against the world’s 12th-ranked player, Diego Pérez, in the first round. But before facing the elite, Andy had the chance to share moments with the players and coach of West Ham, the team he has idolised since childhood.

From a young age, Andy lived and breathed the Claret and Blue colors. "My father's family is all from East London, and they are all West Ham supporters, so for my brother and me, it was natural to follow our father's team, and that's what we did," he recalled with nostalgia. Lapthorne fondly remembers the days at Upton Park, where players like Paolo Di Canio made him fall in love with the team. "I remember being at Old Trafford when Di Canio scored that goal against Barthez, and that was the moment for me when I knew this was my team and the team I wanted to follow everywhere. From that moment, it’s been like a drug for me, really," he added, highlighting the deep bond he has with the club.

The visit to Rush Green was a dream come true for the para-athlete, who described the experience as "incredible." Not only did he have the opportunity to meet his idols, but he also shared his story and sought inspiration for his own career. "For me, as a West Ham fan since I was a kid, it was incredible to be here, as this is the club I love and follow across Europe, so feeling part of it has been very special, and I’m very grateful," said Andy, visibly moved. The encounter was a reminder of how much the support of his club and its fans means to him, something that has been a constant pillar in his life, especially during the most challenging moments of his career.

At 33, the Englishman, with a long list of titles to his name, including three Paralympic medals, now has his sights set on gold in Paris. "For me, I’m chasing that elusive gold medal. I’ve got two silvers and a bronze, so I’m trying to complete the set," he declared, showing his unwavering determination. He is aware that the road will not be easy, but he feels mentally and physically prepared to face this challenge.

Wheelchair tennis is not just a sport; for Andy, it’s a way of life that has accompanied him since his youth. "My first dream as a child was to play for West Ham. But when you get to an age where you realise your legs don’t work the same as other people’s, for me, it was about finding a sport that could feed my hunger for competitiveness and also a sport with which I could make a living," Lapthorne remembered. He turned professional at 16, and since then, he has been both a witness and a protagonist of the sport’s exponential growth.

The support of West Ham fans has been crucial in his career. "The number of messages I receive from West Ham fans is very encouraging, and it’s a very family-oriented club. I’ve had some big losses in my career, but I’ve always received hundreds of messages on my social media pages encouraging me to keep going and do better," he commented. This support, along with his love for the club, has been a driving force that pushes him to keep fighting for his dreams.

With Paris 2024 on the horizon, Andy Lapthorne carries not only the weight of his racket and his story in his chair but also the dreams and hopes of all those who have supported him, especially the West Ham fans. Paris will be his next big challenge, and as always, he will carry with him the passion and determination that have made him a reference in wheelchair tennis. For Andy, Paralympic glory is just the next step on a journey that began in the stands of Upton Park.