The 57-year-old has been named as part of the ParalympicsGB wheelchair curling team for Milano Cortina 2026.
Karen Aspey, from the ParalympicsGB wheelchair curling team.
Karen Aspey got into two things during Covid – gardening and wheelchair curling.
While she fell in love with the former, she has now become so good at the latter that it will take her all the way to the Paralympics.
The 57-year-old from Wigan has been named as part of the ParalympicsGB wheelchair curling team for Milano Cortina 2026, joining forces with two-time Paralympian Hugh Nibloe, as well as Austin McKenzie, Stewart Pimblett and Graeme Stewart.
And as she prepares for her maiden Games, Aspey admits it has been a whirlwind rise since discovering the sport in the aftermath of the pandemic.
She said: “It was a friend that I knew from basketball, he was having a come-and-try day and it was just after Covid so I was happy to be out of the house and doing something.
“I went to that event and from there, started playing in leagues and domestic competitions. It all stemmed from there and I was invited to the pathway with British Curling. I have to travel four hours for training, I stay up most of the week from Tuesday to Friday.
“I got into gardening during Covid and started growing my own veg. I got wrapped up in that. I love growing cauliflowers. They aren’t easy to grow but I think I’ve got them mastered!
“This last 12 months, I’ve had to draw a line under it apart from a few things.”
Instead, Aspey’s focus is on Italy next March, having made her international debut in 2023 before representing England at the B World Championships in November 2024.
She had previously spent time playing wheelchair basketball, as well as competing on the track and trying weightlifting.
But it is in wheelchair curling that she has found her niche, and now that she is competing on the biggest stage, Aspey fully intends to bring home some silverware.
She added: “It’s just amazing. I don’t think it’s properly sunk in yet, it’s just starting to.
“I love the team event, the camaraderie. I’ve played wheelchair basketball in the past and it’s a very similar sort of atmosphere because it’s a team.
“The team dynamics have got to be good. We’re still working on them, but it’s getting to be really good.
“We want a medal! That would be gold by the way!”
Discover Every Body Moves powered by Toyota, ParalympicsGB’s inclusive activity finder. Empowering disabled people to find ways to become more active locally or at home and inviting providers to promote more inclusive sessions across the UK. Find out more at everybodymoves.org.uk
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