Vale Aleks Jacubczak

Aleks Jacubczak, one of the most passionate contributors to table tennis in Australia, sadly passed away yesterday after a battle with lung cancer. Aleks had two stints as a TTA employee and helped countless able-bodied and para athletes over multiple decades.

Thank you to TTA Hall of Famer and Life Member Bob Tuckett for his eloquent tribute to his good friend Aleks, see below.

RIP Aleks, you will be missed.

Vale Aleks Jakubczak.

27/10/1961-01/07/2022.

Aleks arrived in Melbourne from Poland in October 1982 with his then wife, Kasia. He had an immediate impression on Victorian table tennis and was selected in the Victorian state team in 1983, ‘84, ‘86 & ‘87 - Victoria won the National team titles in 1983 & 1984. He was nationally ranked on two occasions - #7 in 1983 & #9 in 1984. He was ranked in Victoria from 1983-1987, #4, 5, 5, 4 & 4 respectively.

In 1987 a week before the Australian Championships he had a car accident which smashed his right hip and leg, ending his career at the top level. Aleks did win the 1992 Victorian Country Championships on one leg - an indication of his love of table tennis and his determination. After his playing career ended he went into coaching and successfully coached Geelong to numerous National League titles. In 1994 he was appointed by TTA to the position of High Performance Manager. Aleks remained in this position until shortly after the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney - which saw Miao Miao & Shirley Zhou reach the quarterfinals of the women’s doubles, which is the best performance by Australia at an Olympic Games.

Aleks then dropped out of table tennis for a long period due to health issues. He returned in about 2010 and was appointed by TTA to a coaching role which he held for a number of years.

Aleks was a “Big Man” - in stature, in heart, in generosity with a massive lust for life. His appetite for life led him down some dark paths - alcohol, cigarettes and gambling - which impacted fatefully on his life and the lives of those close to him.

He had a big impact on table tennis in Victoria and Australia and made an impression on many people.

Condolences to his family in Poland and his loyal and closest friend, Zbyszek (Ziggy) who was by Alek’s side to the end.

I had many great times with Aleks and have many dear memories.

RIP Big Man.