(by Steve Hopkins)

One of America’s up and coming Paralympic stars is Jenson Van Emburgh.  Jenson will start his quest for a medal this week in Tokyo. Jenson will be competing in Class 3, one of the top wheelchair athletes in the Division and a legitimate medal contender for TeamUSA.

We caught up with Jenson, a few days before he left for Tokyo.  Highlights of that interview are in the text below.

A FEW QUICK QUESTIONS FOR JENSON:

What is Your Best Stroke?

My strongest stroke is my backhand for sure. I have always favored my backhand and I feel it is easier to play the backhand than the forehand in a wheelchair. My best serve is my backhand side spin one, I mainly use this serve to set myself up for what I want to do on the third ball and give myself an advantage. I also use this serve the most.

What Would You Say Is Your Game’s Best Strength?

The strongest part of my game is I am overall consistent and can adapt to different styles quickly.

Any Other Key Aspects of Your Game We Should Watch?

A strong part of my game is I know when to take risks and when to play it smart.

Do you have any Nicknames?

I do have a nickname which is Jens.  People that call me Jens usually know me pretty well but anyone can call me that also.

Anything You’d Like To Say To Your Friends and Fans?

I just want to thank everyone that has supported me throughout this journey to make it the Paralympics. Especially Bowmar Sports, with supplying me with my equipment to be able to train everyday and for when I am competing in Tokyo. I also want to thank my family for the amazing support, especially my mom that has been with me in San Antonio this past year so I can prepare with my coach Vlad Farcas to give me the best chance to do well in Tokyo.

I am very excited to be able to represent my country at such a big stage and I will do everything I can do to give me the best chances and opportunities to do well in Tokyo.

Lastly I want to thank San Antonio Table Tennis Club for providing an amazing place to train at and prepare to be my best in Tokyo. Also all of the members that I have met and have supported me this past year. I’m so proud to call SATTC my home club.

Jenson’s 2020 PongNow Interview

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Jenson’s PongNow Interview:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M_VyUujx0U