The British and Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff is officially less than a month away.
The competition is set to showcase some of the best para badminton players in the world — from Paralympic to world champions. But hosts Wales have an athlete of their own they hope can shine on the global stage.
Wrexham-born Jack Wilson is set to represent Team GB in the SU5 (upper limb impairment) category at the Para Badminton International.
“Probably excitement,” said Jack, summing up his feelings ahead of the tournament in a single word during an interview with the Sports Gazette.
Jack is currently the highest-ranked Team GB athlete in his category and sits 17th in the world rankings. While that alone is an impressive feat, Jack has continually shown that his disability is no impediment to his talent as he is also one of the first Welsh para-athletes to compete in able-bodied national tournaments. Yet, the rank and expectations put little to no pressure on the 30-year-old.
“There’s a bit of pressure anyway,” Jack admitted.
“But it’s not because I’m the highest-ranked (Team GB athlete) in my category — it’s more just because I’m playing on home turf than anything.”
“I know the hall very well, and I’ve played here for many years. I think that’ll put me in good stead.”
Jack has previously spoken about the importance of para sport, stating: “People often think para sport is just a version of something else, but we train just as hard, compete just as fiercely, and dream just as big.”
As someone who has competed in both para and able-bodied circuits, Jack provided great insight into the differences in preparation and competition across both circuits.
“In terms of preparation, I wouldn’t say there’s much difference,” Jack explained.
“It’s just general training. With my disability, there’s no real way around it — it’s more about strengthening my areas and abilities.”
Reflecting on the challenges of entering able-bodied tournaments, he added:
“It’s different going into the able-bodied circuit because I didn’t know the players I was up against.
In para, you kind of get a sense of who your opponents are and their style, whereas able-bodied competition is a bit more unpredictable.”
Badminton Wales CEO, Kelly Aston had spoken very highly of Jack in a previous interview with the Sports Gazette during the 2024 Welsh International Open, where once again he was the only para athlete in an able-bodied competition. She was full of pride of having Jack represent Wales at such an historic and prestigious event.
“It’s great, obviously,” Jack said, when asked about having the Commonwealth Games gold medalist as a mentor.
“Kelly’s achievements speak for themselves. If I can even come close to emulating what she’s done, I’d have a really good career.
She’s been a huge supporter, and to be fair, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had without her support.”
Welsh pride is a major motivator for Jack, and with Cardiff hosting the event, he’s fueled by the belief that the home crowd will show up in force.
“I think it’s going to be a crazy week,” he said.
“I don’t know if any of my family’s coming down for it, but I know my girlfriend will be there, and a few of the Cardiff team I used to play for will be coming to support me.”
“My full-time coach will be there as well, and I’ll also have members of the GB team and Badminton Wales supporting me. I don’t know if they’ll bring in schoolkids to bump up the noise a bit — but yeah, I’m sure it’s going to be a well-supported event.”
The British and Irish Para Badminton International is just the first step in a longer journey for Jack, whose ultimate goal is to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“It’s going to be a very crazy three years, really,” he said, looking ahead.
“The qualification period starts in January 2027 and runs until about February 2028, but it’s going to be a very crazy and busy year, and it all kind of starts now.”
Despite his success in both para and able-bodied competitions, Jack remains grounded, taking his goals one step at a time.
“There’s a lot to get through before we even think about the Olympics,” he said.
“The end goal is obviously a medal at the Olympics, but before that, I’d love to make the final at one of the world’s national (able-bodied) tournaments. And I’d love a European medal — that’s probably my biggest aspiration.”
Jack Wilson is a true inspiration not only for Welsh and British badminton but for the sport as a whole. He continues to prove that disability is no barrier — and he plays on, hoping to inspire others in similar circumstances to take up para badminton.
“Para badminton changed my life,” he said.
“I want more people to know that it’s out there. You just have to take that first step. If I can help someone take it — then I’m doing my job.”
The British and Irish Para Badminton International takes place from 22nd to 26th July at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.
The post “Para badminton changed my life”- Wales’ Jack Wilson speaks ahead of British and Irish Para Badminton International appeared first on Sports Gazette.