My name is Matthew Robertson, and I'm a Paralympian on the GB cycling team. My journey into cycling began with a simple yet unforgettable moment.

I was around 13 or 14, trying to learn how to ride a bike. My family and I would head to Greenwich Park, where I’d roll down the hill, using the momentum to keep me balanced. It wasn’t easy, especially with a disability that made it harder to get my feet on the pedals. But week after week, I kept going back, determined to master this skill. Those early days of learning to ride are etched in my memory—they were the first steps toward a dream I didn’t fully understand at the time.

That dream started to take shape during the London 2012 Olympics. I remember watching Chris Hoy's keirin final at the velodrome and thinking, That’s what I want to do. I had no idea about Paralympic sport back then—I only knew about the Olympics. But that moment sparked something in me, leading to countless trips to Greenwich Park and eventually to joining a local club to improve my cycling skills.

I found a home at Woolwich Cycling Club (CC). It was there that I truly began to believe in my dream, thanks to the support and encouragement of the coaches and riders. I’ll never forget the one coach who took me under his wing before I could even ride. He made it seem like riding a bike wasn’t an impossible challenge, even though it felt that way to me. The club became my community—a place where I was accepted and supported long before I became competitive.

It wasn’t until I was about 15 or 16 that I discovered para-cycling and realised there was a pathway for people with disabilities like mine. That discovery was a game-changer. Suddenly, the idea of becoming a Paralympian didn’t seem so far-fetched. I was invited to talent ID camps by coaches who believed in me, and from there, everything started to fall into place. I never imagined it would lead to competing on the world stage, but I was excited to see where this journey would take me.

My first race was a national series event, and shortly after, the national championships. Those early races were crucial for me. They were a way to set markers and measure my progress. Over time, I went from just participating to winning, and then winning multiple times. The experience of racing alongside both able-bodied and para-cyclists was incredible. It showed me the diversity of the sport and the potential impact these events could have on others like me. Even now, I make it a point to race every year—not just to win, but to give back to the sport that has given me so much.

Now, as I prepare for Paris, I’m filled with both excitement and nerves. I’ve got tickets for my family, some of whom have never seen me race before. It’s a bit daunting, knowing they’ll be watching on the biggest stage of all, but it’s also incredibly motivating. I want to show them—and myself—how far I’ve come.