AN athlete from South East Cornwall begins his bid for an Olympic medal on the first day of sporting action at the London 2012 Paralympics.

Table tennis player David Wetherill, who lives in Torpoint, and is ranked No 5 in the world, will play his first match on Thursday.

Because of this he has taken the decision not to attend Wednesday's opening ceremony. 'I want to be match fit and perfectly prepared. I am letting nothing go to chance,' he said.

This will be the second time 22-year-old David has competed for an Olympic medal – he was also at Bejing when he reached the final eight. He was ranked 12th then, and said he played well, finishing only one or two points behind the play-offs for a medal.

In 2010 his ranking rose to No 2, but then he broke his arm and has spent the last two years working his way back up the ladder. 'Without the accident I am sure I would have been seeded higher,' he said.

For David, Torpoint is home, where he says he has been receiving a phenomenal amount of support from the community, but he spends much of his time in Sheffield, where he trains, and where he gained a degree last year in biological chemistry.

He is very loyal to his home area. 'I have been home quite a lot this year and have done some training in Plymouth as well,' he said.

David, one of only a handful of Paralympians from Cornwall, says he is looking forward to the Games with confidence.

'I have listened to what athletes said from the Olympics and have decided to enjoy the experience, soak it all up, embrace the atmosphere and make it work to my advantage.

'I am realistically fifth so not among the medals, but I'm feeling well prepared and I have the home advantage. I was nervous at first but seeing all the successes from Team GB has given me the confidence I need and I will be giving it my all.'

David, the son of now retired PE teachers Paul and Liz Wetherill, took up table tennis after going to the club in Crafthole with his father who still coaches there. 'I realised table tennis was a sport where I could compete on a level playing field against the able-bodied, and spent a lot of time practising against my dad and brother,' he said.

You can follow David on Twitter. He regularly tweets and has had support from other Olympians, including Plymouth's bronze medallist Tom Daley.