
Meet the table tennis team getting ready for Paris 2024
The Paris Olympics are almost here, and today we meet Taiwan’s table tennis team. The final lineup has just been announced, and it’s a stellar roster of seasoned veterans and new blood. Ping pong fans will be delighted to see the legendary Chuang Chih-yuan step out to his sixth and probably final Games at the age of 43. He will play in the group event alongside his sparring partner and protégé, rising star Kao Cheng-jui. Olympian Lin Yun-ju joins them, fresh from his admirable fourth place at Tokyo in 2022. In the women’s team, fan favourites Cheng Yi-ching and Chen Szu-Yu are joined by the latest Taiwanese ping pong prodigy, 22-year-old Chien Tung-chuan.
It’s time to count down to the Paris Olympics. Taiwan’s table tennis team are knuckling down at the National Sports Training Center. Sadly, it will mark the end of 43-year-old Chuang Chih-yuan’s continuous presence in the men’s singles team. He took part in the last five Olympics in a row.
Chuang Chih-yuan
Table tennis player
The first time left the deepest impression, because I was really, really nervous. After that, it was more normal, just being myself and performing as normal, trying to play in the way I want to play. It makes me very happy to be able to play at the Olympics with my protégé and for him to compete.
Although he’s not playing in the singles event this time, Chuang is part of the group team. His protégé is 19-year-old Kao Cheng-jui who makes his Olympic debut in Paris. He’ll be joined by Lin Yun-ju, ranked no. 8 in the world, to form a very strong team of seasoned legends and rising stars.
Kao Cheng-jui
Table tennis player
It’s probably the last Olympics for Chih-yuan. And for me, it’s my first time. This is probably our only opportunity to do this. With someone who you hang out with every day, you feel more calm and focused.
Lin Yun-ju
Table tennis player
Last time, in Tokyo, I think I played particularly well. I didn’t personally expect to reach the semi-finals of the Olympics. So this time I want to approach the Games with the same attitude.
On the women’s team, it’s a similar story. Veteran Olympians Cheng Yi-ching and Chen Szu-Yu are heading back to the Games in Paris, and under their wing is rising star, 22-year-old Chien Tung-chuan.
Chien Tung-chuan
Table tennis player
I just want to play well in each game, because if I set goals for myself, it just creates pressure. It makes me think about what I still need to do to reach the goal. But if I just focus on the present moment, I feel I play better.
Cheng Yi-ching
Table tennis player
This is my third Olympics, and no matter what happens, I will cherish every game as if it’s my last.
With these new faces on the team, Taiwan is heading to the Olympics with high hopes for ping pong medals.
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2024-06-25