Sibling padel players have sights set on Olympics

Guernsey teenagers Chloe and Liam De La Mare have their eyes set on the Olympics after competing in professional teams at a UK padel tournament.

Chloe, 15, and Liam, 16, started playing padel, described as a cross between tennis and squash, at the Guernsey Padel Club.

They were selected to take part in a leg of the Lawn Tennis Association's Pro Am Padel Tour where celebrities took on professional players.

Comedian Jason Manford and former England rugby player Joe Marler led the teams at the event in London.

Liam said it had been a great experience to meet and play against famous faces.

"I've been getting a lot of explanations of who's who and what's what," he said.

"They're really nice guys, really enthusiastic, and honestly the whole event has turned out so well. It's been really cool meeting these celebs."

Chloe added: "It's really exciting, I never expected to be involved in anything like this. I played in a women's pro match which was really amazing."

Both players have their sights on the Olympics, with hopes the racquet sport will be included in the games in 2032.

"My aim is to try and go up the UK rankings," said Liam.

"I'm 30th currently, I'd love to get to the top 15 and then get on the professional circuit. It would be a dream come true to play at the Olympics. I just need to keep working hard."

Liam and Chloe are balancing exams and revision with practising and competing in padel tournaments almost weekly.

Their mother, Lucienne De La Mare, said: "Most competitions are at the weekend, but it's making sure they do their school work, revision still, they understand that's important though.

"Quite quickly we realised they were good at it, so we decided to put them into competitions and it's great they are doing so well."