Welshpool's very own wheelchair rugby legend Jim Roberts' extraordinary story is now available to watch at the click of a button on BBC iPlayer.
The new series of Legends of Welsh Sport from BBC Wales features the powerful documentary told by Jim in his own words, along with contributions from family members, as well as fellow Team GB teammates.
After having both his legs amputated below the knee at 19, Jim went on to inspire the Team GB Wheelchair Rugby team to Paralympic Gold in Tokyo.
The 36-year-old told fans on social media that he was "incredibly humbled that this project has even gone ahead".
The documentary will be live on BBC One Wales on Wednesday, January 17, but is now available on BBC iPlayer.
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Growing up in Welshpool, Jim was always highly competitive, whether he was playing rugby or competing as a cross-country runner. After spending a year at Coventry University, where he studied Architecture Technology, he was struck down with bacterial meningitis, which can lead to tissue damage.
It was Jim himself who decided amputation might be for the best course of action, ultimately spending two and a half years in the hospital, where he suffered depression and almost died after cardiac arrest.
After recovering from meningitis, he went back to university and was introduced to wheelchair rugby as part of his recovery. The intense, physical nature of the sport appealed and with the aid of a strong work ethic and focus, he would soon be selected for the Team GB development squad.
A spell playing for Phoenix Heat in the USA, one of the world’s top teams, helped shape his understanding of the sport and he returned to Team GB with one goal in mind – to win a Paralympic medal. The new systems employed by Team GB saw an upward trajectory, becoming Europe’s best by 2019 and ready for Tokyo 2020.
Watch Jim Roberts share his inspiring story:
Despite the tournament being delayed a year thanks to Covid and no crowds allowed, Jim Roberts proved a commanding presence as Team GB went on to win Gold – their very first Paralympic medal – defeating hosts Japan along the way, as well as USA in the final, who they had never beaten before, including in the group stages.
“Incredibly humbled that this project has even gone ahead,” Jim posted on Instagram.
“A huge thank you to @onparproductions for pitching the idea and all the hard work that's gone in to creating the piece. Also, to everyone else who’s been a part of it!”
Legends of Welsh Sport: Jim Roberts will be shown on BBC One Wales on Wednesday, January 17, but is now available on BBC iPlayer for the next 11 months.
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