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In the field of national sports, the 20-year-old star Courtenay Wilson has been a national legend in the area of Table Tennis.
Courtenay was born in Falmouth on March 18th, 1960, but later went to live in Montego Bay in 1973. He is the son of Mrs. Linda Wilson, Matron at the Falmouth Hospital and Mr. Donald Wilson, a salesman. He has two brothers and one sister.
He attended the Falmouth All-Age school and at the age of twelve (12) he won a free place in the Common Entrance Examination to Cornwall College, and from that point Courtenay, academic and sporting pursuit were positively launched.
Wilson had a special liking for table tennis and often dreamt of representing Jamaica, but he did not dream, he also took the game very seriously and used all his free time to develop his skills. His first real competition was when he represented his house (Harrison) at his school in 1973. His performance there, was most favourable, thus he was immediately selected to represent his school at the St. James inter-schools table tennis competition.
During the period 1975-76 a former national coach, Winston Cowns did four months coaching in table tennis in Montego Bay. Although his stay was short, he managed to teach the basics of orthodox table tennis. Wilson attended these sessions, which pushed him a step forward for in 1976 he became St. James table tennis champion, and on a national level, he was also voted the most promising player.
On the wings of success, the determined left-hander who had quiet and modest approach to life has created his first major upset in late 1976 when he defeated Hector Bennett, the number three (3) national representative of Jamaica. For this, Wilson was awarded a prize. After this first major upset, there was no stopping for him then. As time went by he continued to improve on his skills and so he continued to win fame for himself and Jamaica. Since then, he has represented Jamaica in Mexico, Trinidad, New York, Venezuela, and Aruba.
The height of Wilson’s success came in October 1978 when he won his first hold on the National Championship. After his impressive win, Wilson cried, “I have done it at last”, his dream had come through and he is now rated amongst the best in Jamaica and name King of the West, where he still holds the title.
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During 1979, Wilson continued to win most of his major tournaments, but the most impressive of all, was his victory over the then table tennis Kings, McNeish, Marshallack and Byles. Wilson quickly climbed to the number three (3) rank in Jamaica and has eventually moved up to number one (1). In October 1979 Wilson again won the men’s singles title from Byles for the second time. It was at the end of this game that he cried, “esol” (which means in Spanish – that’s it).
Wilson’s name made the headlines of every newspaper sport pages. Below are a few of the headlines.” Wilson top ranking”, “Wilson makes Jamaica squad”, King in the West is Courtenay Wilson”, C. Wilson the country’s best”, Courtenay Wilson whips Mcneish to take men’s “A” singles title”, and Wilson an upset winner”.
Internationally famed genial Courtenay Wilson, joined Conquerors club during the quarter of “78-79” club year and in less than three months he was elected to the executive body where he showed great interest in the club’s affairs. It was from then that his leadership qualities were discovered through his constructive arguments and opinions concerning matters of the club. His interest for the club grew rapidly and so he was also selected to be organiser for the club’s saving society.
Courtenay Continued to pervade the club with his ability to work, and as an outstanding member of the club’s quiz team he has always shown great interest and has never shun his duties without genuine excuses. Thus he gained popularity among us and especially with most of the female club members with whom he is a hit, as was proven at a function held in honour of him by the club.
For one who possesses all these qualities it would not be too surprising to many if Courtenay select to one of the top posts in the club’s selection of officers for the 1980-81 club year, and may I say he would be about equal with most of our present top officers.
Keep up the good work, Wilson the choice was yours and it is still yours to help keep Conquerors club booming.
Year 1980
By R. G and N. B
From the Falmouth sport archive
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