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Liverpool Echo

Sport

Tom Cavilla

Anfield-born star hoping to grant Jurgen Klopp wish at Commonwealth Games

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool Anfield (Organization) Commonwealth Games Steven Gerrard Gold Tennis UEFA Champions League

The role of sport in society can often be lost on individuals, though Jack Hunter-Spivey does not require reminding of its significant impact.

Currently competing at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Hunter-Spivey’s journey up until this point has been far from plain sailing – but he wouldn’t change it for the world. The 27-year-old, who grew up in Anfield, harboured hopes of becoming a professional footballer but explored alternative avenues despite his love for Liverpool.

Born with cerebral palsy, Hunter-Spivey instead took up para table tennis but remained inspired by the Reds as he continued his sporting journey.

“Like any other child in Liverpool, I wanted to be the next Steven Gerrard,” Jack told the ECHO. “I didn’t really understand why I wasn’t like the other kids and couldn’t run as fast or walk. Liverpool still runs through my whole family and it’s a massive part of my life.

“I met Jurgen Klopp in 2016 after the Paralympics and hopefully I can meet him again in the future. He just told me ‘Well done in the Paralympics’ and asked me to bring some medals back for Liverpool. He’s done that since 2016 so hopefully we can both carry on winning and go in the same path.

“I think sport plays a massive part regarding people’s mental health because not only is competing and exercising amazing but watching sport also gives you release and break from everyday life. It’s something to look forward to and table tennis has given me a lot more than just medals. Hopefully I can push on now and show everyone what I can do.”

Growing up, Hunter-Spivey learned his trade in a youth club in Widnes and developed dreams of one day competing as a Paralympian. Currently ranked fifth in the world in his competing classification (men’s class 5 singles), the Liverpool-born athlete has overcome challenging circumstances to reach this position.

Surviving three suicide attempts in his life is something Hunter-Spivey believes has only made him stronger as an individual from a personal and professional point of view.

Merseyside Paralympian Jack Hunter-Spivey, 27, said he learnt to adapt and became a better player by practicing table tennis in his living room while unable to train at the gym during lockdowns (Jack Hunter-Spivey)

“That is still a massive part of my life and something, looking back, has definitely helped me on and off the table to be stronger in matches and use that. I’m just not fighting for points and medals; I’m fighting for everything I’ve been through in my life and everyone has supported me,” he explained.

“I try to think of those dark moments and use that because sport isn’t life and death; I’ve been in those situations. Sport is there to be enjoyed and allows me to express myself. If I can use all my experience to go out there and prove that anything is possible and whatever situation you’re in, you can change that, that is all the motivation I need.

“My friends and family mean everything to me. The things I’ve been through have been difficult but they believed in me in life and in my table tennis. I wouldn’t be where I am today with them, especially my girlfriend, Lucy, who is a massive part of that.

“I’m just a normal scouse lad, just like the majority of working-class lads out there. I have just done well because I’ve worked hard and believed in myself from a young age. Once you believe something is possible, it is. I’m just trying to use sport as a vehicle to show people that you can whatever you possibly want to do.”

Hunter-Spivey’s dream of representing his country came true at Rio 2016, performing for ParalympicsGB, though his career highlight arrived at Tokyo 2020 as he claimed a bronze medal. No spectators were present to witness this special moment due to the coronavirus pandemic, though his closest friends and family are in attendance on this occasion.

Progression to Saturday's semi-finals was confirmed on Thursday afternoon after defeating Canada's Muhammad Mudassar and the 27-year-old is now eyeing up the ultimate prize on offer at the Commonwealth Games.

“It’s incredible to compete in front of a home crowd. Watching the 2012 games in London, I saw the masses of people there but unfortunately didn’t get the opportunity to do so. To put my experience of playing behind-closed-doors at Tokyo and the crowds of London is an absolute dream come true,” he said.

“I’m definitely chasing that gold medal. I’m currently number one seed in the competition so, on paper, I should do well. But doing that on the table is easier said than done. Just to compete for Team England is such an honour so any medal would be an absolute bonus.”

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