Last updated on 12-Sep-2008 01:21:43 PM
Hi,
I am 26 years old and planning on getting back into table tennis. I played at an intermediate level from 13-18. I really would like to take it seriously again and compete.
I would like to know how competitive you can be at table tennis in your 30s? Are there any pros who started late in their lives and became a force to be reckoned with?
Neil
Hi Neil,
I never say never especially when dealing with a students beliefs.
By a force if you mean a force for Wang Liqin to be reckoned with I would say yes it probably is too late, but to be a very competent State level player it isn't.
Not having ever seen you play it is of course difficult to write you off or put you straight into the team but it is often about your basics and the amount of time and effort you have to devote to the task.
Everyone can improve no matter what age they begin or take up this game again, so go for it and see where you can reach.
The other thing to consider is whether you have a Veterans competiton in your area. Some of these start at Over 30's.
Let us know about your progress and where you are at.
Sounds like you played at around the same age (13-18) that I did...at least you didn't wait until you were 38 to start playing again!
Table tennis must be the only sport where in tournaments they have an over 30 category. That wouldn't make any sense in sports like tennis where the no.1 player in the world could well be over 30. It just shows how much speed and reflexes are required.
It's kind of sad starting so late because you know even theoretically you could never become an elite player. However, it's good to have some modest goals anyway. My current aim is to become a division 1 player before I hit 40.
