Junior of the Month: John Leach

By Wallace Liu

Age/DOB:                               17/April 26, 1989

Hometown:                              Erie, Colorado

Style:                                       Two-winged looper

Sponsor:                                  Butterfly

Equipment:                              Timo Boll Spirit, Bryce (x2)

Current/Highest Rating:        2296/2354 

One of the more impressive yet overlooked stories in American table tennis is the development of John Leach, a Colorado native whose quiet growth demonstrates the value of sustained, sincere effort. John has maintained steady improvement his entire career, as evidenced by his rating progression, constant and free of fluctuation. Though not as hyped as some of his peers, this consistency has solidified John as one of the top juniors in the country.

In his first year on the national junior team after three years as a cadet member, John already has extensive international experience. He has trained in the prestigious Ängby Sport Club in Stockholm, Sweden, as well as the Butterfly Dojo in Tokyo. He has competed in several ITTF World Junior Circuit events, the 2004 Cadet World Championships, and a few ITTF Pro Tour competitions. John aims to further prove himself by playing well in the World Junior Championships in December, then making another successful run with the junior team in 2007.

John started table tennis at eight years of age, when his father Chris bought a table for the family’s garage. Since then, John has taken advantage of his opportunities to train, considering them “a great blessing” which he “can’t pass up lightly.” His commitment is driven by the prospect of improvement, and the satisfaction he gets from being better and playing at a higher level. He enjoys the fitness, coordination, and tactics involved, which continuously challenge him. Currently, John trains with Chris, national team member Nan Li, as well as Li’s parents. His training takes place mostly in his garage and at the Aurora Table Tennis Club.

With his hard work, John has developed a solid looping style with both wings. He is noted more, however, for his creative and effective services. He is still looking to improve in all aspects of his game, especially returning serves. While he does not model his game after a specific player, John admires the stable Vladimir Samsonov, the “amazing” Petr Korbel, and the legendary Mikael Appelgren, whom he met in Ängby.

For his success in table tennis, John credits foremost his family, who have provided him with ample opportunity and support. He is also proud yet grateful for his chance to represent the United States, along with his great teammates.

Beyond table tennis, John enjoys playing pickup games of Ultimate Frisbee, as well as tennis during the summer. He plans on attending a university after completing high school, and afterwards pursuing a fulfilling life; namely, “fall in love, marry, and have a family.”