A TABLE tennis champion who took on the best players in the world is playing his first tournament since the Paralympic Games in Rio last September.

Jack Hunter Spivey competes in the English National Championships in Nottingham on Saturday.

The 21 year old Widnes wheelchair player has been on a fitness programme since returning from Rio and is feeling good ahead of the new season.

Former Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College student Jack, from Stewards Avenue, said: “I’ve been on a fitness programme and I’ve lost over a stone so far so I’m feeling really good.

“I’ve not played a lot of table tennis as I’ve been working mainly on my fitness so the nationals will be a good stepping stone for me.

“I’m working with a nutritionist so I have a strict meal plan and I’m also doing cardio sessions. I’m in the gym twice a day and training twice a week so it is a busy schedule but it is going well.

“Losing weight has helped massively – logically I’m not having to move as much weight around the table and I’m feeling better and a lot fitter.”

Jack set himself a goal to compete in the Olympics when he was only 10.

Jack was born blind and deaf but defied doctors’ fears when he suddenly started to see and hear nine months later.

He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 17-months-old but has never let his disability be a handicap.

His drive and determination led him from Halton Table Tennis Centre to beat world champion Valentin Baus on his way to scooping silver in the Slovenia Open last year.

“The nationals should be a really good experience – we played last year and the crowd was amazing,” added Jack.

“It will be my first tournament since Rio so it will be good to see what level I am at and I’m really looking forward to it.

“My goal for this year is to play well in the European Championships in September – that is what my programme is aimed at this year and hopefully I can take a medal.”

Jack competes abroad around 10 times a year, playing in at least six different international tournaments.