Disability Sport Wales is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of paralympian and 3 times Welsh Commonwealth Games athlete, John Gronow.
Jim Munkley MBE, a Trustee with Disability Sport Wales and Chair of the Welsh Paraplegic and Tetraplegic Sports Association , pays tribute to a remarkable athlete and close friend.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN GRONOW
It is with much sadness that I report the passing of John Gronow, a much respected and valuable member of the Welsh Paraplegic and Tetraplegic Sports Association. He had been a member of WPTSA since its formation in 1962.
John had the honour of representing Wales at 3 Commonwealth Games: 1970 in Edinburgh, where he won a bronze medal in fencing (Sabre), 1974 in Christchurch, New Zealand winning a bronze in bowls and Manchester in 2002 where he won a silver medal in the bowls triples, with his team partners Derek Dowling and Kevin Woolmore. Manchester was a particular highlight for John as he was able to play in an integrated Welsh bowls team for the first time.
John excelled in bowls, representing the British Paralympic team in 1980 in Arnhem, Netherlands, winning bronze in the pairs. In 1984 he was again selected to represent Great Britain at the Paralympics which were held at Stoke Mandeville. Once again he was successful winning bronze in the pairs, this time with fellow Welshman, the late Paul Huball. He was selected to represent Great Britain for the third time at the Seoul Paralympics in 1988 winning a silver medal in the singles and bronze in the Pairs.
A multitalented athlete John was also selected to represent Great Britain at the European Wheelchair Table Tennis Championships in Germany in 1983 as well as the Welsh Fly Fishing team on numerous occasions, cementing his reputation as a formidable and talented fisherman.
John was a tough competitor and played to the very highest standards. He was one of our greatest Welsh Bowlers, always having time to give advice to new, upcoming, bowlers and used his vast experience to good effect. When I first started competing John was always there to help and advise, taught me some good things (and some not so good!) and will always be remembered for his great sense of humour and excellent singing voice.
He will be greatly missed and our sincere condolences are offered to his family at his sad time.
Jim Munkley MBE
Chairman - WPTSA
