Sixteen-year-old athlete Chloe De La Mare has described her role in helping Great Britain secure a place at the upcoming Padel World Cup finals as an incredible achievement. The young competitor from Guernsey is set to travel with the national squad to Qatar next month, where the team will face top international opponents in the global tournament.
During the qualifying campaign held in Madrid, De La Mare contributed to three consecutive victories in the group stage before the team overcame Poland to secure their ticket to the finals. Ranked 259th globally, the teenager admitted she never anticipated reaching this milestone at such an early stage in her career, let alone being entrusted by the coaching staff to play in every single match of the qualifiers.
The British contingent comprises eight players who will now prepare to challenge established powerhouse nations such as Spain and Argentina. This upcoming appearance marks the first time Great Britain has reached the World Cup finals since 2021, a notable milestone for the national program.
De La Mare received her maiden international call-up in September. Shortly before securing her place in the squad bound for the Middle East, she finished as the runner-up in the women's national championships alongside her partner Victoria Nicholas earlier this month.
Looking ahead to the tournament, the Guernsey native expressed enthusiasm about testing herself against world-class athletes and gaining valuable experience on the international stage. Her immediate objectives remain focused on continuous training, regular competition, and maintaining her place representing Great Britain in future fixtures.
