1. Feng Panfeng: Unbeaten Streak Continues with Fifth Straight Gold
China’s Feng Panfeng solidified his status as one of Para table tennis’ greatest players by winning his fifth consecutive Paralympic gold in the Class 3 Men’s Singles. His 3-0 victory over Germany’s Thomas Schmidberger at Paris 2024 extended Feng’s unbeaten streak, which has been intact since 2008. Adding to his legendary status, Feng also claimed gold in the Class 7 mixed doubles and Class 8 men’s doubles, bringing his total Paralympic gold count to 10.
2. Bly Twomey: 14-Year-Old Phenom Wins Two Bronze Medals
At just 14, Great Britain’s Bly Twomey became one of the standout stars of the Games, securing two bronze medals on her Paralympic debut in Paris. Competing in the Class 7 Women’s Singles and Class 14 Women’s Doubles, Twomey displayed maturity and talent far beyond her years, earning the admiration of fans and competitors alike. Her double-medal performance marks the beginning of a promising career, with many anticipating her rise as a future star in the sport.
3. Jan Riapos Clinches Sixth Paralympic Gold in Dramatic Doubles Victory
Slovakian table tennis legend Jan Riapos made history yet again by securing his sixth Paralympic gold medal, winning the men’s doubles event alongside teammate Boris Travnicek. Competing in his eighth Paralympic Games, Riapos cemented his status as one of Para table tennis’ all-time greats, becoming the only athlete in the sport to win gold in singles, doubles, and team events across three different decades. His victory in Paris was a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy and determination.
4. Para Table Tennis Legends Ruiz and Riapos Join the Elite ‘Club 8’
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Paris 2024 was a landmark event for two icons of the sport—Spain’s José Manuel Ruiz and Slovakia’s Jan Riapos—who joined the elite “Club 8” by competing in their eighth consecutive Paralympic Games. Both athletes, who made their Paralympic debuts in 1996, have contributed immensely to the sport’s global recognition. Ruiz has won five Paralympic medals in his career, while Riapos, with seven medals to his name, added yet another gold in Paris. Their enduring presence highlights the extraordinary resilience and dedication required to stay at the top of the sport for over two decades.
5. A Star-Studded Opening Ceremony for Para Table Tennis
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games kicked off in spectacular fashion, and Para table tennis took center stage. Four-time Paralympic gold medalist Fabien Lamirault, the most decorated French athlete at the Games, was one of the final torchbearers during the ceremony. Eleven Para table tennis players from around the world carried their nations’ flags, highlighting the sport’s growing influence on the global stage. Among the flag bearers were Croatia’s Andela Muzinic Vincetic, Slovakia’s Alena Canova, and 17-year-old Chen Po Yen of Chinese Taipei, the youngest flag bearer from Para table tennis.
6. Historic Clash: Olympians Face Off in Paralympic Table Tennis
In a first for Paralympic table tennis, three Olympians competed in the women’s singles Class 10 event at Paris 2024. Australia’s Melissa Tapper, Brazil’s Bruna Alexandre, and Poland’s Natalia Partyka made history as they battled for glory. Partyka, a seven-time Paralympian and six-time gold medalist, claimed silver in the event, while Alexandre took home bronze. Tokyo 2020 champion Qian Yang of Australia reclaimed her title with a hard-fought victory, underscoring the deep connection between the Olympic and Paralympic table tennis movements.
7. Tommy Urhaug’s Triumphant Return to the Podium
After 12 long years, Norway’s Tommy Urhaug returned to the top of the Paralympic podium, winning gold in the Class 5 Men’s Singles event. His victory at Paris 2024 was his first since London 2012, and it served as a testament to his perseverance and passion for the sport. Urhaug’s triumphant return was one of the most emotional moments of the Games, reminding fans of the incredible dedication it takes to stay competitive at the highest level.
8. Mixed Doubles Makes Its Paralympic Debut
One of the most exciting additions to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was the debut of mixed doubles in Para table tennis. Building on the success of the ITTF’s Mixed Team World Cup, the event embodied the spirit of gender equality and partnership. China’s Zhao Shuai and Mao Jingdian made history by winning the first-ever Paralympic mixed doubles title in the Class 17 event, marking a new chapter in Para table tennis. The inclusion of mixed doubles offered fans a fresh and dynamic format, adding even more excitement to the competition.
This summer’s appearance at the Paralympic 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. As we bid farewell to a successful time in Paris, we look ahead to Los Angeles with excitement.
