by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

In the Gold Coast, Melissa Tapper won the Women’s Singles Class 6-10 Para title but that was the only podium finish.

“I think playing more competitions in the last two months is fast catching up with me but table tennis, being an amazing sport, is my passion. I hope to take a break after the forthcoming Oceania Cup. It has been tiring but I think the love for the sport has kept me on top of my game. I love it and I will continue doing it.” Melissa Tapper

The Beijing 2014 World Para Championships Women’s Singles Class 10 bronze medallist is well aware of the doors the sport has opened.

“Table tennis has given me a lot in life. It has opened a lot of opportunities for me and built my confidence. It has taught me a lot of life lessons. It has allowed me to travel, make friends, it has given me confidence and has helped me to discover myself. It has made me display good sportsmanship and taught me perseverance in life. I cannot really quantify what the sport has done for me but I love it and I will continue to play.” Melissa Tapper

Tough times for Melissa Tapper, the most excruciating pain at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games undoubtedly came in the Women’s Team bronze medal fixture when lining up alongside Jian Fang Lay and Miao Miao. They experienced a three-one defeat against England.

“I will forever remember the bronze medal match against England because it was an amazing experience seeing my family in the stand and the venue filled to the brim; this for me was an awesome experience. I do not want to forget in a hurry. I cherish every moment of the match despite the fact that we lost. It was indeed a memorable moment for me, when I won the gold medal in the Women’s Para Table Tennis Singles event, it was another moment I will love to remember from the Commonwealth Games.” Melissa Tapper.

In Halmstad in the Women’s event Australia now plays for positions no.37 to no.48.