Without the IPF I probably wouldn’t have got to where I am today.
Jack Smith is a Paralympian who has represented Great Britain at two Paralympics, winning Gold in Tokyo in 2021.
After his accident, aged 16, Jack was introduced to wheelchair rugby in the spinal unit where he was doing his rehabilitation, but it was a trip to London in 2012 which really showed him what wheelchair rugby could be:
“2012 was the turning point,” he says. “Going down and watching the Games in London and actually seeing what wheelchair rugby could be and what it can offer I think really opened my eyes.
“And from that moment I think it was the big catalyst that made me realise I wanted a bit more from it than just a social side.”
Fast forward to 2025 and after hard work, dedication and a few setbacks which built his resilience, Jack is now a regular in the GB side travelling to World and European Championships and in International Cups and of course including those two Paralympic tours.
Off the court, life has also changed for Jack. He welcomed his daughter Judy in early 2024 with partner Emma and together they support Jack as he travels across the globe competing.
“He’s a brilliant Dad,” says Emma. “She loves him, and he loves her. And now she’s more robust they push off down the road and they’re a way ahead of us and I can just walk and not be worried or scared and it’s just been lovely to watch.”
