A COUPLE of smashers! That's Crewe's golden table tennis duo, Paula Latham and Michael Oakes.

The pair have returned from the Special Olympics in North Carolina with gold medals.

Paula netted the under 21s singles gold and then teamed up with Michael for the mixed doubles. The pair snapped up the gold beating a Rumanian duo. After losing the first game, they won the second and the decider 21-16.

Michael lost out on his singles gold by just four points, picking up a third place bronze.

They're both over the moon - and so are all their supporters and financial backers.

"What a wonderful achievement. They have both worked so hard and are exceptional players and people," said English Table Tennis Association spokesman Garvice Upton.

For both medallists their 'golds' are also rewards for pluck and determination.

Seventeen years ago Michael, 42, suffered brain damage when he was kicked in the head during an unprovoked attack by a gang of young thugs in Crewe town centre.

After winning his battle for life he was faced with years of counselling and therapy. His experience left him traumatised and terrified to leave home. He had the mental age of a teenager and was unable to return to work.

"He took up table tennis as a therapy and it turned his life round. He's gone from strength to strength. It's a wonderful success story and he deserves his gold," said Mr Upton.

Paula has also achieved international acclaim despite a mental disability.

She also holds the British and North of England singles titles.

"She only took up the sport four years ago. But she quickly showed a natural aptitude and we felt she could go far," said Mr Upton.

Both players train twice a week at the South Cheshire Special Needs Table Tennis Club at Coppenhall Leisure Centre.

They've had help funding their £2,000 trips to America from sponsors. Michael's backers included Crewe Police and Paula was given a £500 boost from staff at Crewe ASDA store.

The players took their medals along to the supermarket and thanked their supporters.

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