London `12 Olympic Games: Unsung Sport - Table Tennis

Originated: 1988 Olympics in Soeul, Korea. But, it was the 1880's in Great Britain that introduced the sport to the world.
Where Popular: Asia and basements
Best Countries: China (hands down). Korea is in a distant second with the other countries far behind.
World Rankings Women: #1 Ding Ning (China)
World Rankings Men: #1 Zhang Jike (China)
Reigning Olympic Champion: Ma Lin (China - men), Zhang Yining (China - women)
Interesting Tidbit: The U.S. has never medaled, ending out the third and final Olympic sport in which we have never touched the winners podium (Team Handball and Badminton are the others.)

We know it as "Ping Pong", which ultimately could be an onomatopoeia if it is not already one. Great, a sport in which we have never medaled has been named, at least in Western culture, by a sound.



If you have only seen this sport played as a basement activity, then you are missing out on its true nature. First, the sport is fast. You need reflexes, coordination, body control, and focus.  Second, because the space is so small communication is a necessity. Do not bump into your partner. Let your partner know that you have the ball. Third, China dominates this sport. I mean, dominates the sport. They dominate table tennis so much that the tournament's criteria had to be changed because China takes all of the medals. But hey, when you are good; you are good.

Again, look at the muscle tone, at the balance, at the precision of all of these athletes. It is no joke. Have you ever profusely sweat playing table tennis/ping pong? Probably not. But, less sweat might be due to playing at a slow speed, which brings technique into play. Look at the distance from the table and the follow through on the return hit. Look at where the receiving athletes place there paddles in the ready position.

Table tennis is more than simple leisure. It is indeed very skillful.

Make It Happen,
Derek