(by Steve Hopkins)
After months of recovery and rebuilding, Jenson Ven Emburgh is heading back to the international stage.
From April 23rd to 26th, Jenson will be competing in the ITTF World Para Challenger Sao Paulo in Brazil. This is the first major international competition for USA’s top-ranked wheelchair para table tennis athlete since undergoing abdominal surgery this past December. As Jenson has said, “At the time, that made the road ahead feel uncertain.” Recovery didn’t come without its challenges. During his preparation, he dealt with a other health complications that forced adjustments in training. He was forced to slow down and take a step back at times, but he stayed patient with the process, and has emerged ready to compete on this level again.
Regarding his recovery, Jenson said: “There were moments when even simple training sessions felt far away from where I wanted to be. But slowly, day by day, I worked my way back — rebuilding strength, consistency, and confidence. Now, I’m feeling healthy again. And more than anything, I feel blessed. Blessed to be back, blessed to be healthy, and truly grateful to have the opportunity to travel, compete, and do what I love so much.”
Brazil is just the first step. After the tournament in São Paulo, Jenson will only have four days before he heads to Laško. In Slovenia, he’ll spend two weeks competing in a pair of ITTF events: ITTF World Para Challenger Lasko and ITTF World Para Elite Lasko. He’ll compete in Slovenia from May 5 to May 15. A quick turnaround, but al exciting competition to make a splash as he returns to the highest level of competition.
Slovenia is shaping up to be one of the strongest competitions in recent memory. For the first time since before the 2024 Paralympics, Chinese athletes will take part in the events, which will raise the level of play. For Jenson, that means he could face Feng PanFeng, one of the most accomplished athletes in para table tennis, or Yingliang Chen, a rising Class 3 player. Its these matchups that make the events so exciting and meaningful. With the strong Chinese players added to a field that will include many of the top players in the world , Laško will be host to an incredibly deep and competitive event. Every match will be a challenge, and every point will have to be earned.
For Jenson, this trip is about more than just results – It’s about perspective. He faced surgery and recovery, he dealt with setbacks and fought through it all. He believes the experience has changed the way he looks at competing. In Jenson’s own words: “Stepping on the court now means more—it’s something I don’t take for granted anymore. With Brazil ahead and Slovenia right after, I’m ready to compete, test myself, and embrace every moment of being back.”
Keep track of Jenson Van Emburgh’s process with the links above. Check back here for updates.
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