by Brian Ash, Director Marketing Table Tennis Canada

Poland’s Emilia Skuba is a perfect example. After her opening match victory over Lavanya Maruthapandian of the United States in the Cadet Girls’ Team event, where she partnered Martyna Hajduk, she pumped her fist before quickly and graciously reaching out her hand to her opponent.

Asking if she will consent to an interview she hesitates for a moment, confessing that her English is not very good and then of course she accepts the challenge.

She has been playing table tennis for seven years since joining a club at the urging of her father. Born in Zamosc she now trains 10 hours a week with Maciey Karmolinski at the Kracow club.

Her enthusiasm for the sport bubbles to the surface as she smiles about how much she is enjoying her experience in Canada. She is surprised that there are so many Canadian players and is more than impressed with the facilities. Her favourite player is Ma Long and she loves the attacking style using her forehand to attack returns from an aggressive backhand serve.

After a bronze medal result at the Wiktoria Wrosek last October her goals have focused; she wants to represent her country in international play and compete professionally in Poland.

However, she readily admits that it will take many hours of training with careful attention to the mental aspect of the sport; for now she will be happy with giving her best in Canada.