We caught up with Jack to see what life has been like since the summer and his Commonwealth Games golden exploits! Well, it hasn’t been boring, between Training and Competition, Charity and Ambassador work, there’s also a fledgling career in Comedy and meeting our new King!
Competition
The Commonwealth games was such a special moment for me, to win in front of two thousand home supporters and all my friends and family who have been on this crazy journey with me as well – was an absolute dream come true!
I had to get back into training pretty quickly and training has gone really well, I’ve felt like I’m playing the best Table Tennis I ever have and together with a career high of world number 4 my confidence levels are high.
I played in and won the Greek open last month, which is the 3rd title I’ve won this year along with the Egyptian open and an inclusive team tournament in Spain.
Going into the World Championships in Andalucia, I had some great practice with my good friend and role model to me Tommy Urhuag, I was confident going into this world championships and if I played my best Table Tennis I could definitely bring home a medal for GB.
Unfortunately, the World Champs did not go 100% to plan as I lost in the quarter-finals, however, I did get the chance to do some commentary on the event with the BBC and World Table Tennis – I really enjoyed it and would love to do more in the future.
The next big tournament will be the Paris 2024 Olympics and I am looking forward to getting stuck into the qualification for then – bring it on!
I am really pleased to have now signed a new contract with VICTAS/Bribar, having used VICTAS equipment for a few years now – I can honestly say that my rubber and blade combination is perfectly suited to my style and is what I need at the highest level.
Charity and Ambassador work
Having had my own battles with Mental Heath in the past, I am truly grateful for the way my life is going and how things really can get better…
I’ve been working with an on-line platform called JAAQ that is revolutionising the way we see and help our Mental Health.
I also managed to fit in the hosting of a Rotary evening to support SCOPE and have been sending out signed shirts for donations to charity – thanks to everyone who supported.
Then there’s the greatest football club in the world! I have been able to go to Liverpool matches as the ambassador for Liverpool FC disabled supporters and it’s such a special feeling being involved in my boyhood club!
I got to sit in the Directors box at Anfield and met Stevie Gerrard who was my hero growing up and I wanted to be him so much – I was able to bring my best mate with me (Josh) who’s been my best mate since year 7 and just to be able or share all these incredible moments with my friends and family mean everything to me.
Comedy career
My comedy is going great as well and it’s such an outlet for me to do something completely different from sport…
I’ve been to many of the North’s most glamorous locations including Sheffield, York, Widnes and Runcorn!
I really enjoy making people laugh and meeting new friends along the way – I can’t wait to carry on and develop comedy further.
Oh and I visited Buckingham Palace and met the King…!
Jack is currently practicing with the new VICTAS V>22 Double Extra rubbers and if you wanted to follow his progress you can find him here: facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Posted on 13th December 2022
