LEACH, John Alfred / ENG
Born: 20/11/1922 in Dagenham, Essex/ENG
Deceased: 05/06/2014
ITTF Hall of Fame: Induction 1997
1988-2011: President of ETTA (English Table Tennis Association)
Principally a defensive player, Johnny Leach was renowned for his temperament; never a hint of panic in his play. He started to play table tennis when 17 years old. He received the MBE (Member of the British Empire) and 1969 gave table tennis lessons to Gregory Peck for the film “The Champion”.
Achievements:
World Championships (Total 16 medals)
1949 World Champion in Men’s Singles
1951 World Champion in Men’s Singles
1953 Word Champion in Men’s Teams
International Championships:
1st place in Men’s Singles:
Belgium: 1950 / 1957
France: 1951
Ireland: 1948
USA: 1950
Wales: 1947 / 1950
Best ranking:
ITTF: 1st place in 1949