Canadian Paralympian Peter Isherwood recently competed at the ParaTT Costa Brava tournament, marking his first international event of the year. While the competition was tough, Peter walked away with valuable insights and a renewed sense of determination.

A Strong Start to the Year

Reflecting on his experience, Peter shared, “Overall, the experience was really good. Unfortunately, my results were not what I had hoped for in terms of placement. That said, I had a very strong draw, and since Paris, I’ve been working with a new coach, which is giving me a fresh perspective on the game.”

Competing against highly ranked players was a challenge, but Peter noted significant progress. “Eight months ago, I couldn’t compete with these players, but at this tournament, I was able to stay in competition with them. That alone shows me how far I’ve come.”

Evaluating Performance & Growth

Peter admitted to having mixed feelings about his performance, acknowledging both strengths and learning moments. “I played really well, but I made some decisions during matches that, in hindsight, could have led to different outcomes. Managing multiple aspects of the game in an international competition is tough, but each event helps me improve and adapt for next time.”

Preparation & Training at Richmond Olympic Oval

With this being the first tournament of the year, Peter saw it as an opportunity to assess his progress. Training at the Richmond Olympic Oval under Coach Khen has provided him with a well-rounded approach to development. “I’m training three days a week, and having access to my coach, training tables, and strength & conditioning in one place is incredibly beneficial, especially when balancing time with my young child at home.”

Lessons & Future Goals

Reviewing match footage and discussing strategies with his coach has given Peter a clearer game plan for future competitions. “The biggest lesson is to stick with a game plan if it’s working and not vary too much. Identifying what’s winning me points and staying consistent is key.”

Looking ahead, Peter’s main focus is to continue building his game and improving competitiveness. “There are so many aspects to table tennis. The goal is to bring everything together and get consistently out of the group stage. With Worlds qualifying in October, I have time to build.”

Advice for Aspiring Para Athletes

For young athletes with disabilities looking to compete in para sports, Peter’s advice is simple:  

  • Find a sport you truly enjoy that keeps you motivated.
  • Train in a supportive environment with others you can connect with.
  • Be patient—learning adaptations for your disability takes time.

“Para sport is a great way to gain confidence in your disability and navigate the able-bodied world.”

The Impact of the Para Table Tennis Community

Being a part of Table Tennis Canada’s national team has given Peter the opportunity to grow both on and off the court. His involvement extends beyond competition, he is a member of the Athletes’ Commission and Table Tennis Canada’s Board of Directors, working to develop a stronger para table tennis program in Canada.  

“We could always use more members in our para program. Since we don’t have a large community yet, I’ve learned to be self-sufficient, motivated, and adaptable. But I’m committed to helping grow the sport and creating opportunities for future para athletes.”

Looking Ahead

With valuable experience gained from the ParaTT Costa Brava tournament, Peter Isherwood is motivated to continue refining his skills and preparing for the 2026 Worlds Qualifiers. His journey is a testament to perseverance, continuous learning, and the power of sport to build confidence and community.  

Stay tuned for more updates on Peter’s progress and Canada’s Para Table Tennis program!  

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