by Simon Daish
Triumphant at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and last year in Rio de Janeiro, Ge Yang now has two gold medals to his name in the Men’s Singles Class 10 category alongside his four Men’s Team Classes 9-10 gold medals.
London 2012 saw Ge Yang miss out on the top step of the Men’s Singles Class 10 podium after losing out to Patryk Chojnowski in the final, but victory over the Polish competitor in the title match four years later in Rio de Janeiro was a special moment to remember for the Chinese star.
“He (Patryk Chojnowski) eliminated me in 2012, so I would be lying if I said I did not go to Brazil with some revenge on my mind… This time around, it was not so much about feeling excited after winning, but rather seeing my victory as a testimony of my hard work, my sacrifices and my athletic capacities as one of the older members on the national team”, Ge Yang.
Ge Yang is currently training hard ahead of the 2017 Asian Para Championships which are set to commence on Saturday 26th August, but is still unsure on whether he will participate at the tournament.
“I do not know if I will join my teammates when the national team holds its training camp ahead of the competition. But if I do, I want to give it everything and leave the court with no regrets”, Ge Yang.
In September Ge Yang will turn 32 years old and has thus far enjoyed a long and very fruitful sporting career.
Focusing on his future, Ge Yang remains uncertain on how long he intends to compete at international level and is hoping that his sporting success can help inspire children with disabilities to achieve their dreams.
“I want to be able to do more non-profit work, because it is so important for me to help disabled children and give them something that will allow them to see the world and achieve something incredible. Truly, life is magical. The meaning of my two latest Paralympic gold medals is not about fighting off opponents or being the best in the world. I already knew what that felt like back in 2008. Now, it’s about being comfortable with my place in life and being happy beyond the sport…
… Table tennis has given me more than anything or anyone else in the world, so I just want to enjoy it while it lasts”, Ge Yang.
Source: Paralympic Official Website