Getting to Know: Martin Rooke

Martin Rooke is a para badminton player from Potten End who has his sights set on playing in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

Martin, 41, recently returned home from the European para badminton championships with a hat-trick of medals, having won the men’s singles and the mixed doubles, adding a silver in the men’s doubles.

What is your favourite food?

Salad

What’s the most played song on your iPod?

Insomnia by faithless.

Your favourite quote?

If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail – Mark Spitz

What is your Favourite thing to do to relax?

Take my dog for a walk

What is the thing you hate doing the most?

Sitting still

Invite five famous people for dinner, past or present – who and why?

Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry (Arsenal footballing legends), Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson (boxers) and Micky Flanagan (comedian).

I never miss an Arsenal home game, so many questions to ask the Arsenal boys.

I love my boxing, they are two of my favourite fighters. Micky Flanagan always makes me laugh.

What was the last film you watched?

The Wolf of Wall Street – hit 2013 film starring Leonardo Di Caprio which is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.

If the world was ending in 2014, what would you do differently?

Stop saving money. And spend every penny.

Your favourite thing to do or place to visit in Dacorum?

Apart from being with my partner Ruth. I’m at my happiest when I’m at sport space on court training

If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?

I would love to see Arsenal win the Champions League (football’s European Cup)

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional sportsman

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Overcome the news of being told that I’d never walk again

What is the best or worst gift you have ever given or received?

Best given: new car for my girlfriend. Worst given: jewellery.

Best received: photo album.

Worst received: smelly aftershave

How would you like to be remembered?

I’d like to be remembered as someone who inspired others to always make the most everything