Hyndburn Leisure Centre is delighted to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of local table tennis athlete Felicity Pickard. She recently secured her first Paralympic bronze medal in the women’s doubles event alongside her teammate, Bly Twomey.
Felicity’s inspiring journey from a passionate 16-year-old volunteer at Hyndburn to an international table tennis champion is a shining example of how dedication and community support can lead to success on the world stage.
After winning the bronze medal, Felicity said, “To think I’m now a Paralympic medallist is unbelievable, especially after everything I’ve been through. I never thought I’d be able to get to this position and even a few weeks ago I questioned myself. But I’m here now with the legend that is Bly and the unbelievable coach Andrew Rushton who has got me through everything – the highs and the low lows but here we are and we’re Paralympic medallists as a three.”
Felicity, who has cerebral palsy, began her table tennis journey 15 years ago when she was introduced to the sport while volunteering at Hyndburn Leisure Centre. Originally, Felicity hadn’t tried table tennis, but when invited to join a coaching session, her curiosity led her to discover a newfound passion. “I had never played before, but after my first session, I was hooked,” she says. “Within two weeks, I went from playing once or twice weekly to every day.”
The journey wasn’t without challenges – Felicity struggled with hand-eye coordination due to her disability, but the sport became a new challenge and an opportunity to grow. “It was something I couldn’t do at first, but table tennis has improved my coordination and motor skills beyond what I thought possible.”
Felicity now trains at the National Centre in Sheffield, home to the English Institute of Sport, but she also remains dedicated to Hyndburn Leisure Centre, where it all started. “Training at Hyndburn keeps me grounded. The people here have given me so much support, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
Felicity credits Hyndburn Leisure Centre and the support of the local community for shaping her athletic journey. “Growing up here, I developed confidence, strength, and resilience. The community has been a huge part of my success, and I’m proud to represent Hyndburn on the global stage.”
As part of Hyndburn Leisure’s commitment to fostering local talent, the centre is proud to continue supporting Felicity and other aspiring athletes. The centre plays a vital role in the community, offering an array of sports, fitness, and leisure activities to improve the well-being of residents, with a special emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility for people of all abilities.
Now back from Paris, Felicity is more focused and determined than ever. She’s gearing up to take her game to the next level, dividing her training time between Hyndburn and Sheffield. With her sights set on upcoming competitions, including the Los Angeles Paralympics and next year’s European Championships, she says, “Winning bronze was an incredible moment that has fuelled my drive to push even harder. My goal is to be among the top two in the world and to win medals in both the singles and doubles events.”
