Interview with Fats Timbo ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Channel 4

27 August 2024

We sat down with Fats Timbo ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Channel 4

How excited are you to be involved with the Paralympic Games coverage on Channel 4? 
I am more than ecstatic to be involved with the Paris Paralympics. It’s always been a dream of mine to be part of them some way or another. I don’t have a sporting bone in my body, but I can chat for England so I thought maybe I could be a presenter – and look where I am. It’s amazing.  

You are going to be one of our roaming reporters capturing the day-to-day thrills of the events, are you looking forward to getting stuck into the action?  
I’m hoping to capture families talking about their journeys with their loved ones who are athletes. I’m hoping to capture people’s excitement. I think it’s really important to show people’s emotions and share their stories about their loved ones. It’s going to be very exciting and I'm super thrilled that I get to be involved. I’m perfect for this role.  

What do the Paralympics mean to you?  
They mean so much to me. Growing up with not much representation as a little person, and then seeing so many athletes with dwarfism, like Ellie Simmonds, winning gold medals was very inspiring to me. It was beautiful to see.  

And what role does sport have in your life? 
Does the gym count? [laughs]. I absolutely hated sports at school. I was the only little person in my school, so on sports day I was always last. I was always seen as the weak one as I was going up against people that were physically more able than me.
It made me lose confidence in myself and not want to get involved. But when I saw the Paralympics, it made me feel good because everyone was at the same level. That’s fairer.    

Do you have a favourite Paralympic event? 
It has to be swimming. I love it. That is
my sport. I think it is a sport that a lot of people can do. If you learn how to swim in your own way, I think everyone is capable of it. I love seeing people win in that sport.  

We can’t forget you’re going to be in Paris! Have you been before? What’s your favourite thing to do?  
I have been to Paris before. What I love mostly is the sights, the food and the atmosphere. It’s very chic. I love it, it’s an amazing place. The Eiffel Tower at night – stunning – the glistening lights are just beautiful. It’s just so cool.  

In your downtime from hosting duties, what do you hope you’ll be able to get up to? Anything to tick off the bucket list?  
The last time I was there, I just looked at the Eiffel Tower. This time I want to go in and up it. I want to see Paris from the top of the tower.  

How is your French? Can you give us your best phrase?
My French is not up to par. I did learn it at GCSE, but that was a long time ago. So, Bonjour and Merci – that's about it for now.