ParalympicsGB mourns the loss of Gorazd Vecko MBE

ParalympicsGB is devastated by the news that British Para Table Tennis Performance Director Gorazd Vecko MBE has passed away at the age of 53.

Gorazd played an integral and transformational role in British Para sport for nearly 20 years, having previously coached Mateja Pintar to win the first Paralympic gold medal for Slovenia in table tennis at Athens 2004. He was recruited by British Para Table Tennis in 2009 and went on to lead the team at four Paralympic Games. Under Gorazd’s inspirational and committed leadership, the team enjoyed great success – in no small part thanks to the ‘family culture’ that he introduced at the high-performance base in Sheffield that he also established.

ParalympicsGB table tennis players went on to win four medals at London 2012 and three at Rio 2016, including golds for Will Bayley and Rob Davies, while at Tokyo 2020 the team won no fewer than seven medals, then five more at Paris 2024. Gorazd created a culture – both professionally and emotionally - that will be part of his legacy in the British Para sport system.

Gorazd also held notable roles with the International Table Tennis Federation and was Vice-President of Table Tennis England. He was awarded an Honorary Member of the British Empire (MBE) by His Majesty King Charles III in 2023 for his services to British Para Table Tennis.

Gorazd’s love and passion for the sport and its development was matched by his warm and caring attitude which was immediately clear to all who had the great fortune of working with him.

Penny Briscoe, Chef de Mission at ParalympicsGB who worked alongside Gorazd through four Paralympic Games said: “I started working with Gorazd in 2009 and he quickly became not only a valued colleague but a cherished friend. Throughout his time with British Para Table Tennis he was resolute in his support for his athletes and teammates and steadfast in his desire to see us all be the very best in the world. His passion and pride in his role and in his sport were unerring; so too his commitment to ParalympicsGB and the Paralympic Movement.

“Gorazd believed in us all and we believed in him. The support he gave to me as Director of Sport and Chef de Mission was unwavering; he always checked in to see how I (and my family) was and I knew that he was always there not only for me, but for ParalympicsGB colleagues too. He always went the extra mile to ensure things were done well and to the best possible standard.

“Gorazd was a key member of our team leader group for four Paralympic cycles - we will miss his smile and his support and forever be grateful of all that he achieved. To the man with the kindest heart and the warmest hug, thank you for everything.”

The ParalympicsGB family sends love and heartfelt condolences to Gorazd’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time. RIP Gorazd, forever in our hearts.