Table tennis is a curious case. Always dominated by the Chinese, who have won 32 of the 37 golds that have been distributed since this sport entered the Olympic program in Seoul 1988, it is enough to take a look at the competition cadres to verify that dozens of Chinese players compete under flags from adoption countries. However, there are two cases in Paris, in the female team, which powerfully attract attention.
It's about Ni Xiaolian y Zeng Zhiying. The first competes for Luxembourg and the second, for Chile. The surprising thing is that between them they add 119 years.
Nor is he 61 years old and Zeng, 58. They met his native China, where they had crossed their paths in some competitions. It was not the best of the two and became two -time worldwide in the 80s before emigrating and settling in Luxembourg. He became immediate, and by far, the best player of his new small country. He was offered to play the JJ.OO. From Atlanta 1996 under his new colors but declined the offer because he was still too close to his country of birth. But a few more years of residence in Luxembourg made him change his mind.
In Paris he will play his sixth JJ.oo. And, although after Tokyo'2020 he wanted to retire, the fact of remains the best in his country and the interest of his federation encouraged her to continue already exceeding the 60 -year barrier.
Zeng's case is different. He never reached the level of Ni in China, so he retired 30 years ago, before emigrating to northern Chile, where he dedicated himself to furniture trade. But when the pandemic arrived, to hang out, he recovered the shovel and balls, first to exercise, then to socialize. Little by little, his rusty reflections returned, his body memory made the rest and immediately found himself playing at high level. And it was at that time that he discovered that his old friend and rival continued active despite being three years older than her. An example that decided to follow.
Now both are in Paris. Its mere Olympic presence is a success and a challenge to conventions. Winning a single game would be a fabulous reward for both.
