Retired table tennis star Stephen Jenkins is helping coach the Wales table tennis team taking part in this year’s Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Stephen lives in Caerphilly and has a wide range of experience in the Commonwealth Games, including two bronze medals.
“In all I represented Wales for 18 years, including in the World, European and Commonwealth Championships, and a range of other competitions,” Stephen said.
The 35-year-old psychology graduate from the University of Glamorgan is now a full-time coach for Table Tennis Wales.
Stephen is the man guiding 11-year-old ping-pong prodigy Anna Hursey and some of her Team Wales colleagues in the women’s table tennis squad.
He is also coaching Joshua Stacey, who will be competing in the standing disability category.
Stephen has high hopes for Joshua: “There are around eight competitors, so he has a really good chance of getting a medal.”
With all his experience of performing and winning, Stephen is hoping that the games in Australia will bring more success for Wales.
“Expectations are at least a top eight finish for the women’s team, and hopefully a good draw, and then we’ll see what happens,” he said.
“We are not expected to get a medal, but you never know. If all three players are at their best at the same time, then anything is possible,” Stephen said.
Good luck in Australia