**Welsh Para-Badminton Player Finds Inspiration Through Personal Tragedy on the Road to Paralympic Ambitions**
Welsh athlete Jack Wilson’s journey to sporting excellence is one shaped not only by talent and dedication, but also by a family tragedy that continues to fuel his motivation. Wilson, who is currently representing both Great Britain and Wales at the British & Irish Para Badminton International, has his sights fixed firmly on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games—a dream driven by the memory of his late father.
Wilson tragically lost his father at the tender age of eight, an event that has significantly influenced his perspective both on and off the court. As he competes in Cardiff, not far from where his love affair with badminton began, Wilson reflects on the profound impact his father’s passing had on his sporting ambitions. “My ultimate goal is to make my dad proud,” Wilson shared candidly. “That’s what pushes me to keep striving and performing at my best, especially on an international stage.”
The British & Irish Para Badminton International marks a milestone for disability sport in Wales, as it is the most significant para-badminton event ever hosted in the country. Staged at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff, the tournament draws elite athletes from across the globe. Wilson, notably, is the sole Welsh representative on the Great Britain Paralympic programme, a distinction he acknowledges as a privilege laden with responsibility. “Representing Wales means everything to me. There’s an immense sense of pride, but also a weight of expectation, especially when playing in front of a home crowd.”
Wilson’s introduction to badminton was deeply personal—his first racket belonged to his father. As a teenager, he turned away from football, a sport he grew disenchanted with, and discovered a passion for badminton. The sport’s individual nature appealed to him. “With singles, your performance is solely down to you, and I find that incredibly motivating,” he explained. “If you lose, it’s on you, but the challenge is always personal, and that’s what I love about it.”
Wilson’s formative years at Cardiff Metropolitan University proved pivotal for his career. There, he gained confidence, stacking up victories and earning a place on the Welsh squad before making the transition to para-badminton. His skills quickly propelled him onto the international circuit after an impressive showing at a four nations tournament, setting the stage for what would become a promising competitive career.
His upcoming matches in Cardiff hold special meaning for Wilson, who has already competed in able-bodied national competitions, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes about disability in sport. “Returning to the Sport Wales National Centre feels like closing a circle,” he remarked. “It was there that my para-badminton journey started, and my results in that hall have always been strong. I’m genuinely excited to play in front of friends, family, and local supporters.”
Keen to see others discover the joy of the sport, Wilson encourages people of all abilities to pick up a racket. “Badminton is uniquely fun and really accessible. I’d say just give it a go—you never know, you might end up loving it as much as I do,” he urged, highlighting the inclusive spirit at the heart of his sporting philosophy.
As Wilson looks forward, the road to Los Angeles in 2028 is paved with challenges and opportunities. With around half a dozen tournaments lined up over the next year, he remains both realistic and optimistic. “Competing in the Paralympics has always been my ultimate aspiration. Reaching LA 2028 would be extraordinary—truly a dream come true,” Wilson admitted. “There’s a lot of hard work ahead, and plenty of matches to play before I can even start thinking about the Games, but I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got.”
Jack Wilson’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and familial inspiration in the face of adversity. With unwavering focus and a clear objective, he continues to make his late father proud, while inspiring others to pursue their own sporting ambitions—no matter the hurdles they may face.