Charlotte Carey burst onto the international table tennis scene at 14-years-old, and has been travelling the world ever since.
Nicky Carey said: “We both feel very proud of everything she has achieved. When Charlotte started playing as a little hobby with her Grandad, we didn’t realise it would end up with her playing full time and living abroad.”
But leaving them with a few sleepless nights along the way. Carey recalls one experience where her daughter had to fly alone to California for a training camp. Upon realising there were a number of connecting flights the nerves kicked in.
“This all seemed very daunting to me but she did it sending pictures of her journey throughout the night! I don’t know about ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ but it was certainly ‘sleepless in Ebbw Vale’. I don’t think I shut my eyes until she arrived!”
Charlotte successfully qualified for Delhi 2010, making herself the youngest Team Wales athlete. But it wasn’t easy for her or her parents.
“2009/2010 was a lot of pressure for Charlotte and us! We had to take Charlotte to as many tournaments as possible to get the best results! We travelled to every tournament and it used to cost a fortune by the time we paid for entry, hotel, food out and petrol, but we’d do it all again.
“I can remember Charlotte being told that her national coach, Ryan Jenkins, would ring her at 4pm after she’s finished school to let her know if she had been selected.
“The phone rang and he said I’m pleased to tell you, you have been selected for the Delhi! I’ve never felt so proud in all my life!”
From Glasgow to Gold Coast a total of 10,211 miles, the Carey family have followed to support their star. Whilst also making themselves known for their loud cheers.
“My sister Lisa had T-shirts printed with Charlottes picture on the front and ‘Charlotte’s Mam’ ‘Charlotte’s Dad’ on the back. Dan and I got interviewed by BBC and I had many messages from people back at home telling us they had seen us. We even got in the local newspaper.”
Charlotte is the third generation in her family to take up table tennis, after initially being introduced to the sport by her Grandfather Malcolm.
“Charlotte and my dad have always been very close. She used to ask him all the time if could she go to table tennis with him, he said yes and he used to take her on a Monday and Friday.
“I think they have such a lovely bond! My father looks at every match she plays on his iPad and only rang me the other day in work to say she had won her match!”
The Carey family are awaiting team selection news on whether they will be able to cheer Charlotte on once again on her Commonwealth quest at Birmingham 2022.
