“It never started as anything serious, just playing games whilst on holiday… I would never have seen myself where I am today. Back then I much preferred playing hockey.” She laughed
Sometimes the most important landmarks in a person’s life can go unnoticed until we look back and appreciate the small things that got us to where we are today. This has never been truer than with Britain’s next table tennis star Gemma Kerr.
Kerr currently trains with Paul Whiting at JOOLA Plymouth and is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in British table tennis.
However, Kerr never had aspirations of playing table tennis but without even searching her family unearthed a gem in the south of France. With the hustle of a JOOLA training session in the background, Kerr reminisced over how her story began.
She smiled: “I started playing table tennis when I was about ten, but it was just when I went on holiday.
“They have tables everywhere so when I went to France and there was always a place to play table tennis so me and the family would just play.
She added: “It was never anything serious but most of the time my brother would win as he was training with Paul [Whiting] at the time.”
It wasn’t until Kerr’s family returned from the holiday that her brother’s coach Paul Whiting suggested that she come along for a few sessions.
This was a major landmark in Kerr’s budding career as she had to make the choice between her beloved hockey or a new adventure into table tennis.
She said: “One night Paul asked my mum if I wanted to hit a ball and maybe start up here [Joola Plymouth].
“After a few weeks, I realised that I was quite good but I had to decide whether to carry on or not.
“Hockey was on at the same time as table tennis as I would normally go there whilst my brother trained.”
Kerr continued: “I gave up table tennis for a few weeks, but after about a month Paul told my mum that I had to come back as I was too good to just give up.
“I’m so grateful that he convinced me as without him I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Whiting played a vital role in kickstarting Kerr’s career and after helping her to represent England and win numerous 4* tournaments such as the Chippenham Juniors, the duo’s attention has turned to representing Team GB.
Whiting said: “She has everything it takes to reach the very top of the sport, obviously as her coach I am a little bias but I would see no reason why she shouldn’t be on the plane to Japan in the summer.”
Whiting has high expectations of Kerr and his drive and determination has helped push the Plymouth girl to all the success she has had so far.
However, Kerr thinks that next summer’s Olympics is not realistic and is instead setting her sights on tournaments further down the line.
“Obviously it’s always been a dream since I started table tennis to play at the Olympics or at the Commonwealth games.
“Although, I think Tokyo might have come a little too soon.” She laughed.
The speed of Kerr’s voice grew faster than one of her serves when she spoke of Olympic and Commonwealth games. The excitement she had for representing her country was clear.
She rushed: “But definitely the next Commonwealths or even Paris in four years time would be the target, to represent Team GB at either of those would be a dream come true.”
BOTTOM IMAGE: Gemma Kerr playing at Durham City Table Tennis Club
However, despite shooting up the national table tennis rankings over the last 18-months, the 17-year-old knows she must keep her feet firmly on the ground if she wants to achieve her full potential.
The atmosphere in JOOLA’s changing room switched as Kerr spoke about how she keeps focused, highlighting the seriousness she places on her grounded attitude; a trait that has been ingrained into her by both her coach and family.
In a more serious and measured tone, she said: “My family and Paul are so important they make sure I get my school work done, they make sure I’m always training right and eating right.
“Without their help, I would never have been able to achieve half as much as I have.”
A trip to France, a family game and a fantastic coach, the three ingredients that helped cook up Britain’s next table tennis prodigy. Kerr began her sporting journey unknowingly in the south of France whilst on holiday with her family.
An innocent game of “Ping Pong” turned into a lifestyle built around table tennis. At the time it may have seemed an unimportant side note in a standard family holiday. Nevertheless, it marks the start of Kerr’s rapid development that has seen her become Britain’s next Olympic star.
Brandon Russell: Sports News 