Jim Currie: the inspiring story of a former visually impaired B2 world champion
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Prestwich tennis ace Jim Currie and his countless achievements on court and beyond installed him as a recognisable figure among the visually impaired (VI) community.
The 67-year-old, who lost his right eye to a rare type of eye cancer when he was just three months old, has proven that age nor disability can stifle an individual’s passion or innate gift for sport, having only begun his illustrious tennis career a decade ago.
An inspiration on and off court; his undeniable mental fortitude and grit hasn’t just been reserved for his sporting endeavours alone. He continues to show his love for life, and his deep passion for his sport, even after receiving a second diagnosis of terminal cancer earlier this year.
I just wish I had picked up a racket earlier in my career.
Prior to discovering his natural affinity for tennis, Jim’s diverse sporting background began with stints in athletics and cricket before competing in the VI football league for more than 30 years.
Only in 2014, at the age of 57, did the Manchester-native turn to tennis, launching a 10-year long career contesting in the B2 category for players with low levels of usable partial vision.
Recounting some of his fondest memories in his sporting career, prior to his move to VI tennis, Jim said: “I had the opportunity to run a demonstration 100 metre VI race at Meadow Bank Athletics Stadium in Edinburgh in front of 16,000 spectators.
“When I later kicked off my 30-year-long career playing football for the Partially Sighted League, I represented Scotland in an 11-a-side match against England before being selected for Great Britain’s 7-a-side squad.”
Only in his retirement from VI football did Jim begin his love-affair with tennis, resulting from his time volunteering for charity Action for Blind – a national sight loss non-profit organisation who provide help and support to blind and partially sighted people of all ages.
“I attended a ‘have a go sports day’ with my wife whilst volunteering for the charity,” said Jim. “Shortly after, one of my friends who lives in the northeast of England had a BBQ and he introduced me to VI tennis in more detail. We had a go in his garden and from then on, I was hooked.
“I decided to have a go in Manchester, and I found it to be addictive. I even wanted to take VI tennis further and enter regional competitions, so I trained with a coach for many years, and with hard work I reaped the rewards.”
Within a matter of weeks, Jim exchanged the garden terrain for the hard courts as his inherent competitivity and hard-working ethic led him to play among the country’s finest.
In 2016, in his first year competing at the summit of the VI domestic calendar, Jim won a combined six competitions, including four B2 men’s singles events, and two doubles.
Among the titles he secured on debut was the B2 men’s singles National Blind and Visually Impaired Tennis Championships, where he also finished runner-up in the B2 doubles category alongside then partner Neil Fradgley.
Jim’s success at national level over the years has made him a clear-cut choice for future selections of Great Britain’s VI tennis team, marking his maiden appearance for his nation just four years after his introduction to the sport.
It was then that the two-time national champion extended his winning streak to the global stage, becoming world champion after taking home the gold in the B2 men’s singles event at the 2018 International Blind Tennis Tournament in Dublin.
The Briton’s success across the Irish Sea, joined with the silver medal he won at the International Blind Tennis Tournament the following year, led Jim to catapult through the IBTA rankings as he rose to world No.2 in the men’s B2 category.
“I was excited to represent Great Britain and to be part of the team,” said Jim. “To win the gold medal was extremely emotional and I felt very proud.”
Reflecting on his entire sporting career, from his spell at the athletics and playing VI football to the past 10 years he’s spent on court, Jim added: “I have led an active sporting life, finishing with VI tennis which I enjoyed the most out of all the sports I have competed in over the years. I just wish I had picked up a racket earlier in my career.
“I was gutted to withdraw from this sport due to my terminal illness as I felt I still had a lot to offer even at my age.
“My intention was always to be involved on the coaching side of VI tennis to encourage new players to achieve their goals. I had been giving advice, hints and tips over the last few years to GB team players and new starts.”
From everyone at the LTA and on behalf of British tennis, we want to say a big thank you to Jim for all he has done for VI tennis and beyond. His achievements and attributes are a true inspiration and the long-lasting legacy he leaves upon his retirement will never be forgotten.
