All of the support to enable the protection sector’s Paralympics medal winner Jordanne Whiley to put in the hours on court has paid off, according to her boss Hearthstone Mortgages managing director Ajay Nayyar.
Over the weekend, Whiley, a mortgage and protection adviser at Hearthstone Mortgages, completed her most successful Paralympics ever – winning silver in the wheelchair doubles alongside partner Lucy Shuker in a 6-0 6-1 defeat to Dutch doubles pair Diede de Groot and Aniek van Koot.
On Friday, Whiley beat van Koot 6-4 6-7 6-4 to win her first medal in the singles event. While Whiley had won bronze in Rio and London, Tokyo has proven her most successful games.
Speaking to Health & Protection about Whiley’s achievement this morning, Nayyar said she was incredibly proud of all the work she had put in to get her ranking up.
“I felt it with her because I’ve seen her first hand go through all of that so I was elated – over the moon with what she has achieved. I definitely couldn’t be prouder.”
Nayyar revealed Whiley had only started her protection career 14 months ago, adding he felt compelled to give her a chance due to the drive and determination she displayed.
“I just thought someone who is that much of a champion and has won that many titles must have some kind of drive and determination. If that’s the case then that will carry over into mortgages as well – that drive to help others, to help people – put protection in place – all of that. There’s got to be something in it.”
Nayyar added Whiley demonstrated her worth within two weeks of starting.
“I thought there is no way I cannot have this person work with me forever because she is just an amazing human – she’s kind hearted, she’s caring. She treats people’s cases like her own cases.”
But having a flexible boss certainly paid off for Whiley, who was afforded time to focus on her tennis when required.
“Now she’s achieved this and the last 14 months since she’s started has been worth it because she has achieved the best she has ever achieved in the last year…
“I’ve spoken to her numerous times [since this weekend’s medal wins]. She can’t believe it. She’s so happy. She’s so proud. She keeps saying she’s done it for Jackson [Whiley’s son]. She wants her son to be able to relive these memories. She’s really excited – now she’s off to the US Open.”