There are many statistics surrounding the participation of Frenchman Stephane Houdet at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event, including him being the oldest player competing in the French capital.

It is worth pointing out that he will be 35 years older than 17-year-old Maylee Phelps of the United States – the youngest player set to be on show – but there is much more to Houdet than mere durability.

As we all know, age is but a number and while the 53-year-old is the elder statesman of wheelchair tennis, he is also one of the most revered and admired following an outstanding career which warrants huge respect and acclaim. 

He will arrive in Paris, for what will be his fifth Games, as a three-time Paralympic gold medallist following doubles triumphs at Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016 alongside Nicolas Peifer and Beijing 2008 with Michael Jeremiasz.

Houdet also claimed singles silver and doubles bronze at London 2012, adding to a trophy collection which includes 24 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles – nine at Roland Garros. In short, he has a wealth of experience and a track record of success.

That said, had Houdet been told after his first Games in 2008 that he would be in the field 16 years later, disbelief would probably have been the overriding thought. However, a home Paralympics now beckons and Houdet is more than up for the fight.

“I never thought I would compete at five Paralympics,” said Saint-Nazaire-born Houdet, who is one of four players to win the career Golden Slam in men's doubles. 

“I am not the youngest, but the Paralympics have become bigger and bigger. We are now playing in front of massive crowds and the Paralympics really are the cherry on the cake for players.

“Wheelchair tennis is so tough now and you never know what might happen – anyone can beat anyone. You need to be prepared to get into a position to win a medal – and, of course, I love gold.

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“But my motto is all about having fun, enjoying myself and taking pleasure from competing. Paralympians, more than any other athletes, know how fragile life can be, so it is important to enjoy such moments.

“We are very used to playing at Roland Garros but it will be amazing to see Roland Garros decorated with the Paralympic flag, as Wimbledon was at London 2012. Playing at Roland Garros will be a big family story.

“We will all go to Paris, where all its historic places will feature as part of the Games, and be happy to combine history and sport. We will also all enjoy good food.”

Houdet’s journey into para-sport began in 1996 when he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Austria which left him without the use of his left knee.

At the time he was a promising tennis player, having taken up the sport at the age of eight, and was pursuing his love of the game while studying to be a veterinary surgeon in Nantes.

Undeterred, Houdet further showcased his sporting mastery by becoming France's and then Europe’s top-ranked disabled golfer before having his left leg amputated in 2004 and discovering wheelchair tennis. 

This followed a meeting at a golf event with the late Johan Cruyff, who has established the Cruyff Foundation which provides sporting opportunities for children with disabiltiies. Former Dutch footballer Cruyff convinced Houdet to take up wheelchair tennis and four years later a Paralympic gold medal was his.

A flagbearer for France at Tokyo 2020 alongside judoka Sandrine Martinet, Houdet is now bidding to become just the fifth player in Paralympic history to win a medal on home soil.

He will also equal Japan’s Shingo Kunieda and David Hall of Australia in third place on the all-time list for most medals won at Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Events if he wins a medal at Paris 2024. He will claim sole ownership of third place if he wins two.

Houdet can most certainly cement his place in Paralympic history – if it is not there already – by doing what he does best: defying odds, representing his nation with distinction and making his presence felt on the big stage.

It should be a fascinating watch.