Laurens Devos cemented his legacy as one of the greatest active Para table tennis athletes by securing his third consecutive gold medal in the Class 9 Men’s Singles at the Paralympic Games. The Belgian sensation delivered a masterclass performance, defeating France’s Lucas Didier 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-7) in a thrilling final, held on the last day of the Games.
Devos’s victory is a testament to his dominance on the international stage. Unbeaten in Para table tennis tournaments since 2015, the 24-year-old has proven to be untouchable. His latest triumph adds to an already stellar career, with Devos reigning as the current World and European Champion. His consistency is further highlighted by his position as the world’s #1 player, a ranking he has held since July 2017.
The final itself was a high-stakes encounter, with Didier, a rising star in his Paralympic debut, pushing the Belgian early in the first game. But Devos, with his characteristic calm and precision, fended off Didier’s challenge to secure the first set 11-9. From there, he found his rhythm, overwhelming his French opponent with a combination of relentless forehand attacks and impeccable defense, taking the next two sets 11-7, 11-7.
“I feel amazing, of course. To be a three-time Paralympic champion is an amazing achievement. The amount of pressure on my shoulders for the last few days was big, but of course you want to defend your title. For the last three weeks I didn’t sleep at all, it’s just pressure. I am happy I was able to bring this level and win this tournament.”
Devos’s incredible journey is a family affair—his brother serves as his coach, offering support and guidance from the sidelines. Their bond has been instrumental in his remarkable success.
Lucas Didier, despite the defeat, can hold his head high. His run to the final included a stunning upset of Australia’s Ma Lin, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist. Didier’s performance is the best result for the French para table tennis team at Paris 2024, marking him as a future contender for gold.
The final match was played in front of a roaring crowd, on a day that epitomised the energy and excitement of the Paralympic Games. Fans witnessed electric rallies and breathtaking moments, as the Paralympic Games are wrapping up. Devos, standing atop the podium once again, continues to inspire, proving that his reign is far from over.
