Rutherford Weekly

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CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 WA UBI# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 5HJLVWUDWLRQ3&5HJLVWUDWLRQΖ55HJLVWUDWLRQ9+5HJLVWUDWLRQ3$6X΍RON+Ζ& License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114 1-855-995-2490 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST Conner Stroud, 21, of Rutherfordton is living his dream. He's competing in the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, expecting to be on the court in the next day or so. He is ranked #2 on the USA Men's Tennis Team and joined his team and all the other Paralympic athletes in opening ceremonies on August 24. "I have waited for this moment for many, many years and lots of time and effort has gone into making this dream happen," Conner said recently. "It is a great honor to be able to represent my country in one of the biggest competitions in the world. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along this journey and a special thank you to my sponsors @wilsontennis @per4max," Conner said in an online interview while competing in a tournament earlier this summer in Switzerland. Conner said when he received the confi rmation he was going to the Paralympic Games as a member of the USA Team he couldn't believe his dream was coming true. "It has been a dream of mine for a very long time to compete at the biggest stage possible and to represent my country at the same time," he said. In addition to Conner there is one other USA man, Casey Ratzlaff from Kansas, competing in the men's division. There are three women competing for USA from California, Hawaii, and Kentucky. There are also two quad players competing and they are from California and Arizona. "The quad players have a higher disability and have limited use with one or both of their hands," Conner explained. "They might have to use tape to keep the racquet in their hands while playing." Conner refl ected on his fi rst win at age 13 where he was playing in a tournament in Hilton Head, South Carolina. "I was playing in the C division which is the lowest division offered at tournaments. I ended up winning the C division at my very fi rst tournament and started playing the B division after that. I now play the open division in tournaments to earn points and those rankings are the world ranking system. Conner said there are a lot of factors that played roles in getting him to the place where he is today. "My parents (Dewey and Rita Stroud) have always encouraged me and pushed me to better myself. My mom actually talked me into going to a wheelchair tennis clinic in Asheville hosted by Robin Burton with OPAF (Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund)," Conner said. The clinic instructor was Paralympian Karin Korb. "I was instantly intrigued with the game and I owe a lot to Karin and Robin for helping me get started. Fast forward almost 10 years now and lots of time and training has gone into my journey of getting here. Conner said he has faced a few challenges in wheelchair tennis. "I would say at the start, I could not maneuver the wheelchair very well and it took a while for me to get comfortable with the movement of the chair. I hadn't used a wheelchair much before since I mainly walked and I had never been in a sports wheelchair before I started playing wheelchair tennis," Conner said. Another challenge for Conner was being away from home for long periods of time. He often does three tournaments in a row and is away for as many as three weeks. "I love being able to travel and see the world but it sometimes can be hard to be away from friends and family and all the comforts of being at home," Conner said. "The biggest joy in my tennis is getting to meet many different people from all around the world and see many different places. I like how I can experience different cultures through people and places. Tennis has brought me many new friendships and memories that I will never forget," Conner said. "It really means a lot to me to know that my hometown is behind me and rooting for me. My family means everything to me and they are the ones that make me strive for better each day. My mom and dad, and my brother Taylor and sister Whitney are my biggest supporters. I could not do it without them." Conner was born with proximal femoral focal defi ciency (PFFD). As a result, he was born without femurs, hips, ankles or knees. At the age of two, Stroud had surgery that amputated the front part of each of his feet. Two years later, he began to play tennis, instructed by his father, Dewey, a former letterman at Clemson University. By the age of 13, Conner decided it was time to make the transition to wheelchair tennis. "At the beginning, it was really about learning how to move the chair," says Stroud. "I had knowledge about the strokes, but I didn't know how to move my wheelchair around the court quickly and effectively." With his winning smile, Conner thanks everyone who has supported him and continue to support him on his journey. Like the rest of the world, Conner's parents and family will be watching the Paralympics at home, disappointed they couldn't go, but more than excited Conner has attained his dream. Living his dream - Conner Stroud playing tennis at 2021 Paralympic Games a historic fi rst for Rutherford County Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photos Contributed. The #2 ranked US Men's Paralympics Tennis Team member Conner Stroud boards a plane to Tokyo after spending a few days at the national campus in Orlando, Florida where he trained with his team. Opening ceremonies were Aug. 24 and Conner expects to compete in the next day or two. Rutherford County is rooting for Conner — a historic fi rst for an Olympian on the world scene. Mike Marlow General Manager mike@rutherfordweekly.com Direct: 704-692-4449 RUTHERFORD WEEKLY IS HERE FOR YOU! STRIVING TO HELP ALL BUSINESSES SUCCEED! If you are not sure what to do or how to advertise during these uncertain times, give me a call, email or text. Let's make an appointment and discuss ways we can help! Programs for any budget! 157 West Main St., Forest City 828.248.1408 rutherfordweekly.com @Ruther fordwkly @Ruther fordwkly Follow On @Ruther fordwkly Follow On On • Banners • Signs • Business Cards • Websites • Digital & Print Ads • Graphic Design Much More.... Call TODAY! 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