Ma Long made history for China at the Paris Games by winning his sixth Olympic gold medal in table tennis.
On Friday, he helped China win the men’s team final against Sweden, marking China’s fifth consecutive Olympic win in this event and making Ma the most decorated table tennis Olympian ever.
At 35, Ma has earned a gold medal in every Summer Games since London 2012. He said, “These past 12 years have been a journey filled with ups and downs, and I feel incredibly fortunate.
I’ve played many different roles in each Olympics. After Tokyo I didn’t expect to be here in Paris, but these three years have helped me grow mentally and technically. This gold medal is a great way to conclude my Olympic journey.”
Ma has won four gold medals in the team event across Paris, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and London. He also won singles gold in Tokyo and Rio but did not compete in singles at Paris.
He mentioned he would end his Olympic career but might still compete internationally.
China has dominated table tennis, winning all four Olympic gold medals so far in Paris, including the men’s and women’s singles and mixed doubles. The women’s team final is set for Saturday, with China facing Japan.
China has claimed 36 out of 41 gold medals since table tennis was introduced to the Olympics in Seoul in 1988.
France won the bronze medal in the men’s team event by defeating Japan. This was France’s first medal in the team event. French player Felix Lebrun said, “It was incredible.
It was a dream for all three of us to live it together after an incredible match. These were unforgettable emotions, and we will remember this for a long time. It is a magical moment, and we’re delighted to share it with the team and the public.”
