1. A Parisian Fairytale | Felix and France End 24-Year Medal Drought
Host nation France had much to celebrate as they ended a 24-year medal drought in table tennis at Paris 2024. The young sensation Félix Lebrun secured bronze in singles, becoming the youngest-ever singles medallist in Olympic table tennis history. Lebrun’s journey captivated the home crowd, culminating in a commanding victory over Brazil’s Hugo Calderano. France also earned its first-ever medal in the team event, signalling a bright future for French table tennis.
2. Ma Long’s Final Olympic Triumph | Most Decorated Table Tennis Olympian
Ma Long, widely regarded as the greatest table tennis player of all time, competed in his final Olympic Games at Paris 2024. Leading China to victory in the Men’s Team event, Ma Long captured his sixth Olympic gold medal, making him the most decorated table tennis player in Olympic history. His unparalleled achievements cement his legacy as not only a table tennis legend but also as the Chinese athlete with the most Olympic gold medals.
3. Timo Boll Bids Farewell to International Table Tennis
German table tennis icon Timo Boll graced the Olympic stage for the final time in Paris, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over three decades. Competing in his seventh consecutive Olympic Games, Boll was a symbol of resilience and sportsmanship. Although he fell short of adding to his four Olympic team medals, his legacy as one of the sport’s most respected figures was firmly established.
4. Women’s Team Claims China’s 300th Gold Medal in Summer Olympics History
China’s women’s table tennis team achieved a historic milestone at Paris 2024 by winning the Women’s Team event and securing China’s 300th gold medal in Summer Olympics history. This victory marked China Women’s fifth consecutive gold in the team event, cementing their legacy as the undisputed powerhouse.
5. Heir to the Throne | Fan Zhendong Claims Olympic Gold, Completes Grand Slam
Fan Zhendong fulfilled his destiny by claiming Olympic gold in Paris. Building on his silver medal from Tokyo 2020 and two World Championship titles, Fan’s victory in Paris completed his Grand Slam, solidifying his position as the heir to Ma Long’s throne. His performance was a testament to the relentless drive and unmatched skill that characterise the next generation of Chinese table tennis champions.
6. Truls Moregard Shines on the Big Stage | Sweden’s Silver Success
Sweden’s Truls Moregard delivered one of the most memorable performances of Paris 2024, winning a silver medal in the singles events, and helping his team to a historic silver medal in the Men’s Team event. With standout victories over World No. 2 Wang Chuqin and fourth-seed Hugo Calderano, Moregard ended Sweden’s 24-year wait for an Olympic table tennis medal. Though he fell short to Fan Zhendong in the gold medal match, Moregard’s achievements have reignited the spirit of Swedish table tennis.
7. Chen Meng Joins Table Tennis Elite with Back-to-Back Gold Medals
View this post on Instagram
Chen Meng etched her name into the annals of table tennis history by winning her second consecutive Olympic gold in women’s singles at Paris 2024. Following in the footsteps of legends like Deng Yaping and Zhang Yining, Chen Meng’s back-to-back victories solidified her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
8. A Dream Debut | Hina Hayata Wins Bronze in Olympic Debut
Japan’s Hina Hayata made a stunning Olympic debut at Paris 2024, securing a bronze medal in women’s singles. Despite battling injuries, Hayata also helped Japan earn a silver medal in the Women’s Team event, marking a significant milestone in her young career. Her performance was a beacon of hope for Japan’s Olympic aspirations, highlighting the emergence of a new star in the sport.
The 10th appearance of table tennis at the Olympic Games was a celebration of the sport, and Paris 2024 was filled with moments that will inspire athletes and fans alike for years to come. But the journey doesn’t end here—more table tennis action is just around the corner as the Paralympics take centre stage in two weeks.
