One year ago today, history was made at South Paris Arena 4 as the first Paralympic Para table tennis gold medals in doubles competition since 1976 were awarded in a night filled with emotion and extraordinary performances. China dominated the medal ceremonies, claiming both gold medals on offer whilst showcasing the depth and excellence that defines Paralympic table tennis at its highest level.
The evening belonged to China as they secured both doubles titles in commanding fashion. Huang Wenjuan and Jin Yucheng opened the medal ceremonies by claiming Class 14 Women’s Doubles gold, defeating Germany’s Stephanie Grebe and Juliane Wolf in a thrilling four-game encounter (11-4, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8).
The victory held special significance for 16-year-old Jin Yucheng, making her Paralympic debut after only beginning international competition in 2023. Her rapid rise to Paralympic champion exemplified the inspiring nature of Paralympic sport.
“It feels so good. I never imagined I could get a gold medal,” reflected Huang afterwards. “This was a very good start for the whole Chinese team. We are good friends, too, and we will be even better friends after winning this gold medal together.”
The second gold medal of the evening went to China’s Liu Jing and Xue Juan in Class 5 Women’s Doubles, who defeated Korea Republic’s Seo Su Yen and Yoon Jiyu 3-1 (11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9). Their victory added to already spectacular Paralympic legacies – Liu now holding eight gold medals from four Paralympic Games, whilst Xue secured her fourth gold from two Paralympic appearances.
Both athletes have maintained perfect Paralympic records, winning every single event they’ve entered throughout their careers. Xue’s emotional reflection captured the personal significance of Paralympic success: “I am very happy to win tonight for my daughter. She is still young and I hope I can have more wonderful stories to tell her when she grows up.”
The bronze medals provided their own compelling narratives. In Class 14 Women’s Doubles, Great Britain’s Felicity Packard and Bly Twomey secured bronze, with 14-year-old Twomey becoming one of the youngest Paralympic table tennis medallists in history.
“It feels amazing I didn’t think I would get a medal this young and I was really surprised today,” said Twomey, her words capturing the wonder of Paralympic achievement.
Partner Felicity Packard reflected on both the achievement and the extraordinary atmosphere: “It’s been incredible playing with Bly and our performance to get the bronze medal. The atmosphere has just been absolutely incredible, I think we were prepared for the crowds but nothing like this.”
Norway’s Aida Music Dahlen and Merethe Tveiten shared the Class 14 bronze medals, whilst Brazil’s Caria Oliveira and Joyce Oliveria and Thailand’s Dararat Asayut and Chilchitparyak Bootwansirina claimed bronze in Class 5.
These first medal ceremonies of Paris 2024 set the standard for everything that would follow. The quality of competition, the emotional significance of victory, and the incredible atmosphere in South Paris Arena 4 demonstrated that Paralympic table tennis had never been stronger or more celebrated.Looking back one year later, 31 August 2024 stands as the night when Paralympic table tennis reclaimed its doubles heritage in the most spectacular fashion possible. From Jin Yucheng’s remarkable debut triumph to the legends Liu Jing and Xue Juan extending their perfect records, from Bly Twomey’s historic bronze to the emotional scenes of celebration throughout South Paris Arena 4.
The 48-year wait for Paralympic doubles medals had ended in the most fitting way – with golden performances, inspiring stories, and moments that perfectly captured the essence of Paralympic sport. Sometimes sporting returns exceed even the highest expectations. This was certainly one of those magical evenings.
