Prelude to LA28 | USA, Puerto Rico, and Brazil’s Stars Shine Setting The Stage for LA
As Paris 2024 drew to a close, attention turned to the future, with strong performances from Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz, Team USA’s rising stars, and Brazil’s Hugo Calderano setting the stage for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Team USA’s table tennis players, in particular, gained invaluable experience in Paris, further boosted by a surge in popularity after an inspiring encounter with the USA Men’s Basketball team and stars like Stephen Curry (pictured above), which drew even more fans to the sport. These athletes are now positioned as key figures to watch in the years to come, their performances a reminder that the journey of Olympic excellence is ongoing, with the next chapter already on the horizon.
Iconic Flag Bearers | Table Tennis Stars Shine at the Opening and Closing Ceremony
The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony was a celebration of table tennis’s global impact, with several athletes proudly serving as flag bearers for their nations. Ma Long (China), Chelsea Edghill (Guyana), Sharath Kamal (India), Neda Shahsavari (Iran), Ni Xia Lian (Luxembourg), Fabio Rakotoarimanana (Madagascar), Fathimath Dheema Ali (Maldives), Santoo Shrestha (Nepal), and Priscila Tommy (Vanuatu) were among those who led their countries into the stadium, highlighting the sport’s prominence on the world stage. Meanwhile world number 1, Sun Yingsha, China’s 23-year-old table tennis player who won two gold medals and one silver at the Games, took centre stage during the closing ceremony as the representative of Asia. She ceremoniously extinguished the Olympic flame on Sunday night, along with athletes from other continents, the International Olympic Committee Refugee Olympic Team as well as IOC President Thomas Bach.
The Supermom Comeback | Britt Eerland Returns to the Olympic Stage
Dutch table tennis star Britt Eerland made a remarkable comeback at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking her third appearance at the Games following Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. After stepping away from the sport in 2023 to welcome her daughter, she returned to action just four months postpartum, determined to qualify for the Games. Eerland reached the round of 16, where she lost to eventual gold medallist Chen Meng, showcasing her resilience and the balance she maintains between athletic excellence and motherhood.
Paralympian Melissa Tapper Competes in Her Third Olympic Games
Australian star Melissa Tapper continued to break barriers at Paris 2024 by competing in her third consecutive Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tapper, known for her pioneering spirit, has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in sport, serving as an inspiration to many.
Historic First Appearances | New Nations Join the Olympic Table Tennis Stage
The global reach of table tennis was on full display at Paris 2024, with several athletes making historic first appearances for their nations. Fabio Rakotoarimanana (Madagascar), Fathimath Dheema Ali (Maldives), Santoo Shrestha (Nepal), Vladislav Ursu (Moldova), and Vicky Wu (Fiji) all became the first players from their countries to qualify for the Olympics. Their participation marked a significant moment in the sport’s expansion, bringing new voices and cultures to the Olympic stage.
Table Tennis Spans the Ages | Miwa Harimoto and Ni Xia Lian Compete
Paris 2024 showcased the diversity and inclusivity of table tennis, with 16-year-old Miwa Harimoto from Japan and 61-year-old Ni Xia Lian from Luxembourg representing the extremes of age in the competition. Harimoto became the youngest table tennis medallist after Japan’s silver in Women’s Team, while Ni Xia Lian made history as the oldest player to secure a win at the Olympics.
Incredible Atmosphere | Passion and Enthusiasm at Paris 2024
The atmosphere at the Olympic Table Tennis competition in Paris 2024 was nothing short of electric. Over 230,000 spectators filled the South Paris Arena 4, creating an unforgettable environment that was as much a part of the competition as the athletes themselves. With notable figures like French football legend Zinedine Zidane and NBA star Anthony Edwards in attendance, the passion and enthusiasm of the crowd were palpable.
Bruna Alexandre Shines as Brazil’s First Olympic and Paralympic Competitor
Bruna Alexandre made history at Paris 2024 by becoming the first athlete to represent Brazil in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Competing in the women’s team event, Alexandre’s participation marked a significant milestone in Brazilian sports history. Her journey from a young talent to a national legend is an inspiration to athletes across the world, showcasing the power of resilience and determination.
As we reflect on these incredible moments from Paris 2024, it’s clear that table tennis continues to captivate and inspire on the Olympic stage. The stories of triumph, perseverance, and historical achievements have left a lasting legacy that will echo in the world of sports for years to come. But the journey through Paris 2024 isn’t over yet—stay tuned for more memorable moments of the sports’ 10th appearance as we continue our look back at this unforgettable Olympic Games tomorrow.
