BELLAIR, FL — Jenson Van Emburgh goes into a certain mode when he plays table tennis. Every motion is precise, his focus is locked in. 

It’s why he’s one of the best in the world. 

Last month, Jenson won a bronze medal in the Tokyo Paralympics. 

"To win a medal was even more amazing, it was like the icing on the cake for it all,” Jenson reflected. 

On the other side of the table, is his older brother Jake who is a former Oklahoma Sooner standout and now, tennis pro. 

Through Jake’s tennis journey, Jenson found a passion of his own. 

"When you understand the grit and you know, the attitude, hard work and dedication. Not only just that, but the overall persona you have to carry yourself with every day it makes me so proud,” Jake said. "Especially with everything he’s battled and worked through in life. He could’ve easily thrown in the towel.” 

Jenson was paralyzed from a spinal cord injury at birth. He fell in love with tennis while watching Jake compete. So when he discovered table tennis, it was the perfect fit. Through sports, the brothers’ bond grew even stronger. 

"We message each other all the time, whenever he’s about to compete, whenever I’m about to compete,” Jenson said. 

Jake shared a similar sentiment. 

"We watch each other if it’s live streamed,” he explained, “most of my matches at the end of last year when we were playing Big 12’s, he drove everywhere to come watch.” 

They’ve been each other’s biggest fans. Unlike a sibling rivalry, this brotherhood is based on admiration. 

"He’s played a huge part in my mentality and probably, I’d say grittiness,” Jake said. "It’s made me into the payer that I am.” 

No spectators were allowed in Tokyo, but Jenson knew his brother was cheering him on from afar. 

"They were all so happy for me.” 

Jenson has been on the U.S. Junior Para National Team for the past 9 years. During that span, he’s had several health setbacks, but has always come out stronger. Every trophy, and medal represents a step in his journey. 

"Whatever happens, everything is meant to be. Even if it’s a loss, a negative or a positive…everything happens for a reason.” 

But the most significant to him is his most recent — a symbol of all he overcame to achieve his dream. 

"Not every day is going to be sunshine and rainbows. You’re going to have rainy days and tough days. But there’s always light at the end of the tunnel so, that how I always try to think. Bad days build good days.” 

Jenson knows the best is yet to come as he eyes the 2024 Paralympics.