Jacquelyn Williams heading to Paris for 2024 Paralympics
Four different decades have witnessed Jacquelyn Williams umpire at table tennis events.
She has officiated in the sport for over 25 years and, during the course of her impressive career, has travelled to some of the biggest international events.
From World Championships to Commonwealth Championships, and from Commonwealth Games to Paralympics, Jackie is just about as experienced as they come – having become Wales’ first female National Umpire in February 1998.
And having qualified as a Blue Badge official nearly 17 years ago, Jacquelyn has experienced her fair share of tournaments – her highlight being the World Team Finals in China in 2008.
“The host nation China was playing Singapore in this huge arena in Guangzhou,” recalled Jackie. “The venue was absolutely full to capacity with 10,000 spectators, but it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop!
“The atmosphere was electric, and I’ll never forget it.
“I’ve travelled all over the world and made so many friends,” Jacqelyn previously told TTW. “It’s been life changing.
“There are a lot of opportunities and it’s a great way for people of all ages to meet, because there is a great camaraderie between the umpires. I’ve made some great friends all over the world, and that’s been the biggest gain for me personally.”
And another significant memory beckons in the coming months as she returns to the Paralympics, having officiated at London 2012 over a decade ago.
Jacquelyn will be one of the most experienced officials at this year’s Games in Paris, and has seen no shortage of action in the past year.
In 2023 alone, she refereed at the Youth Contender in Linz, the World Special Olympics in Berlin, and the British Para Nationals and European Para Championships, both in Sheffield, among other tournaments.
12 years on, Jacquelyn is returning.
“Paris means a lot to me,” she stated, “as I never thought I’d be selected, having done the London Paralympics in 2012.
“I feel very privileged that I have been once again selected.”