2024-08-13 13:42:38
His career is wrapped in gold. What is not in the career? Three-time world champion, the only male player to hold a double Grand Slam, the longest 64 months at world No. 1. Still there was a regret. Chinese table tennis legend Ma Long retired from the Olympics after completing it in Paris.
Long’s last wish was to win the most medals for China at the Olympics. He withdrew from the Olympics to fulfill that desire in Paris. He will never be seen again in this global event.
China defeated Sweden by 3-0 match points to win the men’s team table tennis final. Through this, Long has won a record 6 gold medals for China. Two divers Wu Mingjia and Chen Ruolin and gymnast Xu Kai were on top jointly with Ma Long after winning 5 gold medals.
Age 36 years old. Long will be close to 40 by the time of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This legend does not see himself in the Olympics. After making a unique feat in Paris, he said that this is the last Olympics.
Long said, ‘My journey over the past 12 years has been full of ups and downs. I played a different role in each Olympics. I feel really lucky. This gold medal is a great way to end my journey at the Olympics.’
Long will play for the national team despite saying goodbye to the Olympics. Informing that, he also said, ‘In the future you may be able to see me on the stage of international table tennis.’