Jin Woodman’s 2023 year in review
Following an amazing first half of the year competing at Tarbes France in the Jnr Masters in January & Villamoura Portugal for World team cup in May, Jin’s shoulder issues experienced over the previous 12 months or so had escalated.
His condition CMT2C impacts the nerves in the shoulder muscles and quadraceps particularly, with the shoulders causing scapular winging which limits the range of motion and strength in them.
We managed to enter into a program with shoulder specialist Lyn Watson and the team at Melbourne Shoulder Group.
They recommended significantly reduced loads along with a program of rehabilitation exercises, keeping in close contact with Kath, Sara and team.
Following dedicated focus on rehab & effective training through term 3, in September Jin actually won his first ever ITF tournament - the ACT Quads Open at Canberra.
He defeated 22 year old Finn Broadbent, and also came runner up in the NSW Open in Sydney.
Jin also reached the semi finals in both tournaments in the 18U juniors.
Also playing Mens Double with Finn as his partner, on one of the days in Canberra he had 4 matches across Juniors, Quads & Mens Doubles.
While experiencing some soreness, his shoulder held up exceptionally well, as did his fitness and mental focus.
While we are still limiting his pushing and strength loads, re-introduction of some of the pushing drills at NTC eg around the MCG and 7 minute drills has shown improvements with some recent PBs being achieved.
A couple of weeks ago he played the National Championships.
While a special 14U event was held for the first time to allow juniors an opportunity, Jin was directed to compete in the 18U event due to his capability. He also competed in the Quads Open again.
Playing amazingly well, he was a finalist in both events.
He defeated the #1 junior Ben Wenzel (16) in the semi-final, for the first time ever, and was runner up to #2 Junior Yassin Hill (17) in the 18U final.
Both are classified in the Mens Open category, with Jin classified in the Quad’s Open due to his condition also impacting upper body.
He went on to place 2nd in the Quads Open, behind Paralympian Heath Davidson, again defeating 22 year old Finn as well as several other adult players.
Heath is also the former doubles partner to Dylan Alcott and currently ranked 4th in the world in the open quads.
TA invited Jin for a 3 week tour of Turkiye scheduled after Nationals.
Unfortunately, due mainly to concerns with the current Middle East crisis we declined the trip.
We were recently pursuing a potential 2 tournament trip to Malaysia scheduled to depart this Thursday.
Due to several major tournaments in Turkey and other countries in Europe & Americas, unfortunately the tournament’s Quad event looks like it will have too low numbers and be cancelled.
Instead Jin is planning to attend a junior training camp at Bendigo next week 7th to 9th – I’ve sent through the online form.
While disappointed about Turkiye and Malaysia, he is very hopeful for entry into the upcoming Australian Summer Series with lead in tournaments to the AO at Hume Tennis Centre Craigieburn.
ITF 1 & Super Series events where the top 24 players in the world will compete.
He’s currently #15 junior in the world, with 4 players aging out at the end of the year, and Melbourne & Vic Open junior tournaments to play in January, as well as Quads.
#3 junior in Australia and now with missing Turkey just sliding down to #3 Quad in Australia.