Manders: Games inspired recovery

Gavin Manders is mentally focused for Bermuda in the upcoming Island Games.

Manders, 27, is still recovering from an accident last December that damaged ligaments in his right shoulder and left him without part of his baby toe. 

However, his competitive drive and desire to do Bermuda proud still burns bright.

Manders told the Bermuda Sun: “I’m still dealing with the aches and pains of overcompensating with other muscles, but at the end of the day I can’t really complain.

“I’m blessed to be able to play at the level I am today, considering five months ago I was on crutches. 

“It has been a lot of hard work and a lot of pain through the recovery and rehab just to be able to get back here this summer.

“The fact that the Games are in Bermuda was my main inspiration for recovery. For us to be able to show Bermuda what we can do and get tennis on the map here as a bigger and more watched sport is probably one of the biggest things I’ve had to do in my career on home soil.

“Being able to play in front of your home crowd, family, and friends in a competition such as the Island Games is definitely a highlight for me.”

Manders is gunning hard for medals, saying: “When I come into any competition I have confidence in myself, so I’m looking to definitely be on the podium for my events: the team event, doubles, and individually.

“It’s a lot of matches and a lot of work to be done to get there, but I expect to bring some medals to Bermuda.”