(By Steve Hopkins, photos Manca Meglic)

This week’s Butterfly interview is with one of America’s most decorated active para players, Jenson Van Emburgh.  Jenson has already landed very important medals at major tour events – a Silver at the 2019 Parapan American Games, a Bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and a Silver late last year at the World Championships in Granada, Spain. Jenson continues to improve, and recently he headed to Europe to gain valuable experience ahead of the upcoming US Para Open and 2023 Parapan American Games in November.

Europe Tour:

Jenson competed in the Montenegro Para Championships in Podgorica, Montenegro.  He fell to four-time Paralympic Champion Feng Panfeng of China in the Semifinals.  Jenson secured a Bronze Medal in Singles (Panfeng went on to win the tournament).  Jenson noted later that the semifinals “was a very important and good experience because I had my chances in the first game and felt I had the correct tactic.” 

Jenson then traveled to Lasko, Slovenia to compete in the Slovenia Para Open.  This event had over 400 athletes representing 53 countries.  This made the Slovenia Para Open the biggest and strongest event of the year.  This time, Jenson reached the final where he again met Feng Panfeng of China.  Jenson’s tactics showed through as he took a 2-1 lead in games, but ultimately he fell short – losing 2-3.  On this large stage, Jenson fell just one game short.  Still, a Silver medal at this prestigious event is a big step forward – and it appears that Jenson’s efforts are working as he continues to improve.  Jenson stated that he was “Very happy with my performance throughout the entire tournament, winning against very strong opponents prior to the finals and being very close to beating the best player in the world.”

What’s Next for Jenson?:

Jenson’s home State of Texas will be the host of the US Para this year.  The event will be held in Fort Worth from July 3rd to 5th.  The last time the US Para Open was held internationally was in 2018 – and that year, Jenson won the gold medal.  He is excited to play an international tournament in his home country again.  As Jenson noted, “ I am looking forward to defending the title and keeping the gold medal in the United States.”

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