Balance is the defining principle for wheelchair basketball prodigy Ellan Fraser as she navigates the dual pursuit of her Paralympic ambitions and a burgeoning career in physiotherapy. The 21-year-old athlete from Warwick is steadfast in her goal to represent Great Britain at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, a dream she is meticulously working towards while maintaining a professional life off the court.
From World Championships to Paralympic Aspirations
Ellan Fraser first donned the Great Britain senior jersey two years ago at the World Championships in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in her sporting journey. However, her experience at the Paris 2024 Paralympics was as a spectator, watching her teammates from the sidelines. This has only fuelled her determination to secure a spot in the team for LA 2028, where she hopes to transition from observer to active participant.
As a Classification 3.0 athlete, Fraser is leaving no stone unturned in her preparation. "My goal is to do the Paralympics one day and be a part of it properly," she expressed. "It would mean the world. I’ve got so many people who have helped me get to where I am today, and it would mean the world to me to show them how much all their help has been worth."
Juggling Sport and Profession
Closer to home, Fraser plays for the Worcester Wolves in the British Wheelchair Basketball Women's Premier League. Off the court, she works as a physiotherapist three days a week, a career path inspired by her own experiences as a patient born with cerebral palsy. She is currently studying at the University of Worcester, where her academic pursuits complement her athletic endeavours.
"I've had physios since I was a little kid, and they were always the nicest healthcare people ever," Fraser recalled. "I started researching what they did, and I realised it was what I wanted to do. It helps me understand my sport and my body better, learning things that would help me out in the gym and recovery, so it’s been quite cool."
Balancing her sporting career with her occupation presents unique challenges. Fraser trains with the Worcester Wolves on Wednesday evenings and fits in additional sessions on her days off or later in the day. "Now, I have to train later in the day or on my days off, which is why I chose to do part-time because I wanted to have a balance," she explained. "I still want to be a physio, but I also want to be a Paralympian, and I want to be able to do both."
Crucial Support from Aldi and SportsAid
Fraser’s ambitions are bolstered by support from Aldi, through its partnership with SportsAid. This collaboration provides rising stars with financial assistance and development opportunities, covering essential training and competition costs. Additionally, athletes gain access to personal development workshops focusing on nutrition, mental wellbeing, social media training, and lifestyle management.
"I’ve been with SportsAid for a while now, and the funding I’ve received through them has helped massively," Fraser noted. "I don’t think most people understand the cost of my sport. My basketball chair alone is worth £7,000, and we also have to deal with the upkeep and maintaining and replacing tyres, so having that financial support is so helpful."
She also highlighted the practical benefits of Aldi’s support: "I was also with Aldi last year, and they sent vouchers so I could get the nutritional foods I needed. I don’t think you can understand how helpful that is as a student. It was amazing."
A Partnership Fostering Future Champions
Aldi and SportsAid are now in their fourth year of partnership. In 2026, Aldi is supporting six local athletes through an enhanced SportsAid Award, which includes financial backing, a monthly fruit and vegetable voucher, and access to additional learning and development sessions. These athletes will also feature in joint promotional activities throughout the year, highlighting the commitment to nurturing sporting talent across the UK.
Ellan Fraser’s journey exemplifies the dedication required to excel in elite sport while pursuing a professional career. With her eyes set on LA 2028 and the unwavering support of her family, Aldi, and SportsAid, she continues to stride towards her Paralympic dream, proving that with balance and perseverance, anything is possible.
