ACOG - News - IBM

(25 July 1996; Day 6)

Table Tennis Way of Life for France's GATIEN Family

Smashing a serve or hitting a powerful forehand loop is as natural to Jean-Philippe GATIEN as eating or breathing.

Table tennis became an important part of GATIEN's life when his father Rene and brother Stephan introduced him to the sport. At age 10, he competed for the first time. Now, at age 27, the Frenchman is considered by some to be the most explosive player in the sport. The left-hander has developed great foot speed and quick reflexes, which earned him a bronze medal in the 1996 European Table Tennis Championships, a silver medal in the 1992 Olympic Games and the 1993 World Table Tennis Championship. He, along with partner Damien ELOI, also took the bronze medal in doubles at the 1995 World Table Tennis Championships in Tianjin, China.

GATIEN says his father has continued to be the most influential person in his career. Stephan still plays a major role, too -- as GATIEN's manager.

The table tennis player said he hopes he and other European players can end the extreme domination of Chinese players, who won all five gold medals at the most recent world championships.

"In 1993, when I won the World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, there were only Europeans in the final four," said GATIEN. "In the 1995 finals in Tianjin, China, no Europeans were in the final four."

GATIEN said that although the competition will be tough, he believes he has a strong chance at winning a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games.

"The United States is a nice neutral country. I think there's more of a chance for Europeans to win here," he said. "But, there are many, many contenders for the gold here. The Chinese, of course, are the hardest challenge. They look quite strong. There are 10 to 15 of us who could contend for the gold. I am among those -- but it will be tough."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Kim Chaudoin.


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