If you want a detailed recap of the table tennis action at the Paris 2024 Olympics, I highly recommend our article covering every major story coming out of table tennis at Paris 2024.
Before the event, most people would have guessed that China would top the medal table by winning all 5 available Gold medals. Despite all the drama and controversy, that’s exactly what ended up happening.
Here’s what the final medal table looks like:
Swedenwill undoubtedly be the happiest nation with an incredible 2 Silver medals. They were spearheaded by Truls Moregardh as he pulled the greatest upset of all time to knock out Wang Chuqin in the Men’s Singles. He inspired teammates Anton Källberg and Kristian Karlsson in a gripping Men’s Team event as they almost pulled off an unbelievable victory against China.
Japan’sSilver and Bronze medals also represent a good return for the proud table tennis nation. Tomokazu Harimoto almost managed to knock out Fan Zhendong in the Men’s Singles, whilst Hina Hayata stormed to her individual Bronze medal despite suffering a wrist injury. Their Silver medal in the Women’s Team event was rightly deserved thanks to having strong players in all 3 positions.
North Korea were perhaps the surprise package of this Olympics, although it perhaps should not have been a surprise considering their rich history in the event. With just 3 athletes attending, it was the doubles pairing Kim Kum Yong and Ri Jong Sik who consistently impressed when reaching the final of the Mixed Doubles event. Pyon Song Gyong also performed admirably, winning 3 of her knockout Singles matches.
South Korea have a group of talented female players with a strong mix of experience and youth, so it was unsurprising to see them pick up Bronze in the Mixed Doubles and the Women’s Team events. Shin Yubin was the star, playing 14 matches and winning 10 of them. At just 20 years old, she’s going to be fighting for podiums for many years to come.
France returned their best total medal haul ever with 2 bronze efforts at their home games. Felix Lebrun announced himself as a future world champion, with the 17-year old delivering devastating performances with incredible mental fortitude for someone so young. His brother Alexis also brings an exciting style, although he was definitely overshadowed by his younger brother this time around. It’s important for me to close by mentioning Simon Gauzy who used all of his experience to push the young brothers across the winning line for their Men’s Team bronze. French fans should be very excited about the future.
David’s been playing Table Tennis since he was 12, earning his first coaching license in 2012. He’s played in national team & individual competitions, although he prefers the more relaxed nature of a local league match! After earning his umpiring qualification in England, David moved to Australia and started Racket Insight to share information about the sport he loves.
Blade: Stiga WRB Offensive Classic | Forehand: Calibra LT | Backhand: Xiom Musa
Playstyle: The All-Rounder
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