One year ago today, Paralympic table tennis commenced at Paris 2024 in breathtaking fashion, marking not just the beginning of another Paralympic tournament, but the dawn of a new era. For the first time since 1976, doubles returned to the Paralympic programme, whilst mixed doubles made its historic debut. Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, two legendary athletes achieved an extraordinary milestone by joining the exclusive “Club 8” – competing in their eighth Paralympic Games.
The opening morning saw South Paris Arena 4 filled with doubles action for the first time in nearly five decades. The atmosphere was electric as crowds witnessed history unfold, with the sound of roaring applause and waves of colourful banners creating an energy that participants described as unlike anything they had experienced before.
France’s Fabien Lamirault, fresh from lighting the Paralympic cauldron just one day earlier, gave the home crowd everything to celebrate alongside partner Julien Michaud. Their thrilling Class 3 Men’s Doubles quarterfinal victory over Poland’s Rafal Crupper and Tomasz Jakimczuk went the full distance (11-3, 7-11, 14-12, 7-11, 11-9), securing not just a semifinal place but guaranteeing a Paralympic medal.
“It was just amazing, just incredible,” reflected Lamirault afterwards. “Everyone was cheering for our table and it was the most incredible atmosphere. It was my fourth Paralympics and to play at home with this crowd on fire… I think I’ve never seen before and I think we’ll probably never see again.”
The most groundbreaking moment came with the introduction of mixed doubles to Paralympic competition for the first time ever. Slovakia’s Alena Kanova, making her seventh Paralympic appearance, partnered with Boris Travnicek to defeat Egypt’s Khaled Ramadan and Fawzia Elshamy in straight sets, writing their names into the history books as winners of the first Paralympic mixed doubles match.
Brazil’s Filipe Manor Luis and Danielle Rauen provided one of the day’s biggest shocks, defeating Japan’s highly-rated pairing in Class 17 Mixed Doubles. Their victory represented the spirit of Paralympic competition – where preparation, strategy, and determination can overcome any challenge.
Amongst all the historic firsts, perhaps the most remarkable achievement belonged to two extraordinary athletes who reached a milestone that defines Paralympic greatness. Spain’s Jose Manuel Ruiz and Slovakia’s Jan Riapos both competed in their eighth Paralympic Games, joining an exclusive circle of athletes whose longevity and dedication defy comprehension.
Ruiz, who made his Paralympic debut at Atlanta 1996 at just 17 years old, has now competed across eight consecutive Paralympic Games. His career spans generations, accumulating five Paralympic medals including silver in singles and teams events. At Paris 2024, despite being unable to claim victory in his Class 18 Men’s Doubles opener alongside Alejandro Diaz, his presence alone represented something profound about human perseverance.
“For me this is so special but not only for me,” Ruiz reflected. “When I say me I mean my whole team, my coaches from all my career, my family, parents, friends, sponsors and the Spanish federation. I think that this is a big moment, this is the first time an athlete in Spain has played eight Paralympic Games.”
Jan Riapos matched this incredible achievement, also beginning his Paralympic journey at Atlanta 1996. The now 56-year-old Slovakian has accumulated an impressive medal collection including gold medals in Athens 2004 and London 2012, with his ultimate goal being to clinch gold medals across three separate decades.
The day also showcased Paralympic table tennis’s incredible age range. Whilst legends like Ruiz and Riapos competed in their eighth Games, Great Britain’s Bly Twomey, at just 14 years old, became one of the youngest ever Paralympic table tennis medallists by securing bronze in Class 14 Women’s Doubles alongside Felicity Packard.
As competition began in earnest, the atmosphere in South Paris Arena 4 proved that Paralympic table tennis had never been more popular or more celebrated. The return of doubles after 48 years, the historic debut of mixed doubles, and the presence of eight-time Paralympians created a perfect storm of sporting significance.
Looking back one year later, 30 August 2024 stands as the day when Paralympic table tennis began its most successful and celebrated chapter. The combination of historic firsts, legendary achievements, and that unmistakable Paralympic atmosphere had set the stage for what would become an extraordinary tournament.
Sometimes opening days exceed all expectations. This was certainly one of those perfect beginnings.
