One of the first of 15 players inducted into the inaugural Don Anthony Hall of Fame - they were all put forward by the members of the Performance Commission to recognise their achievements at International Level

INTERNATIONAL PLAYER FOR ENGLAND FROM 1984 - 2001

Jurek started playing in 1976 at the age of 11, inspired by Poland's Olympic gold victory against the Russians that summer. Never did he think that he would be coached in Poland, 10 years later, by one of the Gold Olympians from the game.

From 1976 to 1987 Jurek played London local league for Jedynka Volleyball club under the guidance of coach James Tytko. He was invited by John Lowney and John Nash (England Junior coaches) to attend the England Junior squad.

In 1981, he started training with Polonia, and was invited to England's Senior training in 1983, and then under the leadership of Andy Lowczynowski. His greatest achievements at that time were winning the National League with Polonia 1984, and playing regularly for England.

During the mid-and late 80s, Jurek was immersed by volleyball; playing and training every day of the week, for London League, University or England Friday sessions at Brunel followed by matches at the weekend. It was seven days a week for most of the year.

In 1987, he went to Poland to play professional volleyball with Plomein MIlowice, coached by Rys Bosek (Gold Olympian and World Champion). A year later, he returned to play with Polonia and coach Polonia Ladies. He continued to enjoy a long period of playing for England and Great Britain, under the influences of Jefferson Williams and Ralph Hyppolyte.

"Many coaches to witness that Hippolyte era echo, even now, that however mad the volleyball ideas we were trialling and experimenting with then, was far ahead of the rest of the world's professional and national teams. It was revolutionary and can now be seen replicated across the map. I was proud to have been that guinea pig, and have been a part of the jigsaw puzzle," Jurek said.

Jurek retired from international volleyball in 2002, and then returned when the Libero position was introduced in 2004. He continued to play for another two years before retiring again.

Jurek is this top three most capped players in the country with 124 caps. Nationally, he won the National Cup with Polonia in 1991. He also coached Polonia Ladies to the National League Division 3 Title. He also recalls he got to finals of the original Weymouth Beach Classic.