FORMER PARALYMPIAN LOUISE HUNT SKELLEY GEARS UP FOR LEAD COMMENTARY ROLE AT PARIS 2024

Former British wheelchair tennis player Louise Hunt Skelley PLY is gearing up to bring her wealth of experience to the commentary booth at this year's Paralympic Games, taking place in Paris.

Louise, from Wroughton, transitioned seamlessly from a decorated playing career to commentary and tournament directing. She is one of Wiltshire’s most accomplished athletes, having represented Great Britain at the London and Rio Paralympics. 

Over her impressive career, Louise competed in 13 World Team Cups, won 13 senior singles titles, 41 senior doubles titles, and achieved a career-high world ranking of 10.

After retiring from competitive sports in 2021, Louise has continued to impact the world of wheelchair tennis through her expert commentary. As she prepares to cover the Paris 2024 Paralympics, she brings a unique perspective, combining personal experience and professional expertise. 

Louise, no stranger to sharing her insightful analysis and deep understanding of the sport, will be an integral part of Channel 4's extensive coverage team. This year marks a significant step up in her commentary career, as she will be taking the lead commentary position for the first few days, guiding guest pundit Jayant Mistry before continuing as a pundit for the remainder of the competition. 

Jayant Mistry is a retired British wheelchair tennis player who has competed at four Paralympic Games. A former British No. 1 in singles and World No. 2 in men’s doubles, Jayant had an illustrious career that includes being the first British player to win the wheelchair men's doubles title at the 2005 Wimbledon Championships alongside French player Michaël Jeremiasz, who is the Chef de Mission at this year’s games.

 “I’m very excited to be part of the Wheelchair Tennis commentary team in Paris” Louise said. “I’m especially thrilled to be working with Jayant Mistry, who I have known for most of my life. As a junior player, he was one of my idols. He was who I aspired to be like, and it's an incredible honour to now work alongside him.”

From the Opening Ceremony on August 28 to the Closing Ceremony on September 8, viewers can expect comprehensive coverage with all broadcasts featuring subtitles, live peak-time sport offering closed audio description, and BSL live signing during weekday afternoon sports on More4 and Channel 4 Streaming.

Key finals and podium moments will air during primetime for the first time since London 2012, uniting the UK in celebration of Paralympic sport. 

Louise expressed her pride in being part of such an elite team, saying, "I am immensely proud to be working alongside such an elite team of presenters, pundits, reporters, and commentators for this historic event, and I cannot wait to get started!"

While Louise will be commentating at the iconic Roland Garros site, known for hosting the French Open, she will also be keeping watch on her husband, Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, who is a medal hopeful in judo at the Champ-de-Mars Arena in another part of Paris. He is competing in a new weight category after his gold medal victory in Tokyo 2020. 

Determined to witness Chris’s match, Louise plans to speed across Paris in her tri-chair to ensure she doesn't miss his competition.

“I’m always more nervous for Chris than I am for myself! I know I’ll be a bundle of nerves on the day he competes, but I also know how incredibly hard he’s worked and how dedicated he is. I have no doubt that he’ll give it his all and make us proud.”

Today Louise is a tennis commentator, tournament director, inclusion specialist as well as a motivational speaker. Find out more about her by visiting http://www.louisehunt.co.uk