The
2004 USA Paralympic Table Tennis GamesThe
2004 USA Paralympic Table Tennis GamesAthens, Greece · Sept. 18-27, 2004
Today was a long day at the office. We just got back from watching the
women's Basket Ball team. They won the Gold medal. Really great
performance.
Starting our day, again we were out of the apartment complex at 6:30 am.
We had a pretty good warm up. Wayne stepped up today and played great.
The first match I went out against the # 2 player from Chinese Taipi. The
first game was a bit tight. I beat him at 8. Then the next 2 were
pretty easy. Wayen then went out to play the # 1 player. Wayne
played really well. He lost 3-0 but, the # 1 player had to work.
Next up the doubles. We won the first game. The second game we lost.
In the Third we were ahead 7-3. Then wayen said to me that we shouldn't
blow this lead like we did in the previous match. Well that's just what we
did again.
I was having a lot of problems with the movements, the players were moving me
all over the place. I also missed a lob and 2 easy forehand openings.
Next up I played the # 1 player. I beat him 3-1. He won the first
game and I won the next three.
Then it was Wayne against a Class 8. Really good match. Wayne won
the first game in duece and lead 10-9 in the second before losing taht game.
Wayne lost the next game easy but in the fourth game Wayne stepped up He was up
10-2 and won that game easily.
On to the final game. Wayne had a bad start and the Taipi player was up
9-4 for eventually. He hit 2 edges and one net. Wayne came back to
10-7. Then 10-8. Then 10-9. Finally 10-10. Wayne ended
up losing 13-11.
We didn't leave anything on the court. We tried our best. It was a
great effort and I believe me and Wayne will win a Gold Medal in 2008/China.
We are not retiring yet. We are going to make one more run. It was
so great playing with Wayne and we had the best time. Our focus now will
be to medal at the IPC World Championships next year. Then we will use
that experience as a steping stone toward our final destination. A Gold
Medal In China 2008.
Wayne is a really great teammate. He just got a late start in the
tournment. We can't wait till we are competing in China for the next
games.
It's 1:00pm Greece time. I thought I would start the journal early.
Everything really feel into place today but, we just couldn't take advantage of
the situation.
We arrived very early. We left our apartments at around 6:30am. We
got the 7:15 bus. We were the first ones in the training hall. I
waited until 8:00pm to glue.
The training went really well. I was moving well and playing great.
Then at 10:00pm we moved on to get ready for match time. We arrived at the
Umpire zone 61. The officials were checking rackets and doing glue checks.
That seemed to make our opponents very uneasy. We were playing against the
Dutch team.
We got our first big break, when the # 2 Dutch player Tony was unhappy with his
racket upon receiving it after glue testing. (they do glue testing during
the team match). Tony was very upset.
We thought perhaps we could use this to our advantage. What was really
great was we decided to put me in as the weak player.
So I went out first. I won the first game against the # 1 Dutch player.
The second I was up 9-5 but, I choked. I lost 14-12. I then decided
I was gonna play free. That if I lose it will be because the other player
played better. I won the next game at 11-9. The last game I was down
5-2 and I won 11-8.
So that was one match out of the way. Next was Wayne, our real # 2 player
and their # 2 player Tony. Tony beat Wayne the first game 11-2. The
second game we had a window. It went deuce. Wayne missed 3 service
returns and lost 16-14. Then Wayne lost the last game at 5.
Now on to the doubles. Here was our one chance to advance to the next round.
If we win this, then I play the # 2 player who is 2250 and then we move on to
the Gold Medal match. The first game I played tight. We won 11-7.
the second game we lost 11-2. The third game we won 11-1. The fourth
game we were up 5-1. Dutch called a time out. Wayne then
missed to serve returns out rights. A few bad more decisions and suddenly
we were down 8-5. We got up to 9. 10-9 down and we played a long
point. Wayne played a bit of a bad position and The # 1 Dutch returned a
very hard ball to my wide backhand. I tried to put it over while running
and it went to the net.
The final game we lost at I believe 11-7. There went our chances. So
close yet so far. We planned everything right.
Its tough to win. Too much pressure. I expended all my energy
winning that first match. Also Wayne is not comfortable with international
play.
Tomorrow we play the Bronze medal match against Chinese Taipei. We need
better players. Where the hell is Mitch from Min?
Today was a bit of work. Its 10:00pm now. I'm about to try and
get some sleep. We started off against Japan. I played the # 1
player who smoked me in the Singles last week. I beat him 3-0 this time.
I played really focused and I knew we needed that match.
Wayne then proceeded to lose to a guy who can't pull up his pants. Really
frustrating match. Bad tactics and unable to handle pressure. We won
the doubles Barely and then in the final and fifth match I beat the # 2 player.
One game I was up 10-0.
Its a tough world out there. We are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
We'll need to really step up to beat Netherlands. We are in the medal
round now. Big match tomorrow morning. I'll have to take 2 singles
for us to have a chance and that's going to be very very hard. I'm not
counting on it but, I will try my best.
Even if I do take the 2 singles we could still lose because we then need the
doubles. Perhaps Wayne will be able to upset a player. Maybe they
will feel pressure.
We certainly need some luck. Sweden beat china a few times so anything is
possible.
Today didn't work out that well. We had some struggles. The first
match was Wayne Against Fraczyk. Wayne played rather well. he went up 6-2
in the last game after losing the first 2 but, then Fraczyk stepped up. He
was just too strong. The next match I played against the # 2 player
Gutdeutsch. I won the first 2 games but, was never very comfortable. he
plays with long pips on the backhand, I was having some problems with his
forehand opening.
Finally in the doubles we lost 3-0. We had a good chance in the first
game. I forced some shots that weren't there. I think in this team
match I was just too over confident. I didn't want to do any work. I
just expected to win. I can assure you this, we won't make that mistake
against Japan. The # 1 Japanese guy beat me very badly in the Open group 7
days ago. I will be working for every point which is what I should have
done against Austria.
We lost the final game of the teams when I played Fraczyk. The first game
It was 9-9. If I could just keep my serve short. I gave up a few
points when I serves long with the backhand. Fraczyk looped it in for a
winner every time. I lost the second close, after it was 8-8 and I had a
4-0 lead in the third. Really bad concentration. Very frustrating.
I felt so much pressure also. Here I am out there feeling pressure against
a solid 2700 level player. Pretty pathetic.
Well, that match is gone. We have a lot of work against Japan. It
will be very hard to beat them. Their # 1 player just seems to have my
number. He is extremely hard for me to beat. I will be working every
single point. I have to get out to his forehand.
Today was a pretty exciting day. We watched Austria Play Japan.
Austria won 3-0. Frazyck (the # 1 Austrian) played really well.
We'll be going against that team tomorrow. I really want to beat Frazyck.
That will for sure give us a place in the medal round. I'll have to
attack all his serves. I really need to step up like I have never done
before. I'm going to put everything out on the table and then some.
I really hope to play my best. That's all I can ask for.
I did some laundry today. Hung out with the basketball team and that about
it. I had lunch twice.
I really don't want to start to relax now that I won a medal. I like the
Silver medals a lot. They look so nice.
We picked up a Medal case for the Medal today. It was really nice.
Even Sean was impressed. Plus I got a nice certificate. We also got
some more stuff from another sponsor.
All the Olympic clothes went on sale today. 30% off. Its still very
expensive. I'm wait for the price to go down a bit till I get some
gifts. Shirts are about 45 Dollars each. The team gave us all so many
clothes. I don't know how I am going to get them all home. 2
suitcases full. That's a lot of stuff.
This place really is incredible, yesterday we saw the basketball venue and
tennis. I can't wait to get some of the pictures online. Really
amazing.
In the computer room where I am now they have a little kitchen where we can get
a lot of different types of food 24 hours with out having to go to the
international zone.
I guess that's about it for now. Tomorrow is a very exciting competition
day. I really miss my wife. This sucks. Only 6 more days to
come back. Mentally I'm going to have to really focus on my matches.
I lost 3-0 to the Austrian player in the medal round of singles who I play
tomorrow. The next day we play Japan and I lost to the Japanese even
worse 3-0 in the group 4 days ago. Its going to be a tough walk.
I want to write this blog today not about what we have done for the day but,
what everyone has done to help us as a team be in the position we are in now.
A lot of people are saying that the Paralympics today is like the Olympics 50
years ago where everyone used to play for sport and Medals. Now Olympics
are all about money. I am really fortunate to be in the situation I am in
now. I have a great wife and a fantastic support team.
I grew up on the trains of NYC. This is a big difference. I have had
many obstacles. However I know it's easy to over come obstacles.
That's human nature. You give a person a challenge and they meet that
Challenge. What happens when you give that same person no challenge.
What happens if you place them at the finish line? Well, then that's when
you truly find out what type of person they are. I believe The US
Paralympic Team is at the finish line now. I know there are a lot more
races but for now we at the finish line now. It takes a stronger person to
be here and respond to things properly then it does for some one at the start.
I hope people can see that we all face the same struggles as Table Tennis
players and no matter what your event, being it the Under 1500, the Under 2000
or 2500. We all have goals and we struggle within ourselves to meet those
goals. Its the competition and the constant challenge to better ourselves
which keeps us going and when you all find yourselves at the finish line being
it the under 1000 or the US National championships. Just know we all work
hard for this game and we all love this game and the competition.
We are now in a great position as a team. Jennifer has been a great
support for the team and she played with extreme courage. Wayne is great
to have as a team mate and Sean is the best coach we have ever had. We
have a chance to pull together as a team and achieve one more medal and even
though Jennifer is not in our team event (I wish she was) When one of us
wins we all win. I hope we will be able to play our best and make our
country proud.
I want to thank a few key people and organizations who personally made the
Paralympic dream possible for myself.
First I want to thank all the kids of the American Youth Table Tennis
Organization (AYTTO). They really gave me the strength and will to compete
and try and be the best that I can be as well as work with my team mates in the
best way possible. The kids of the AYTTO are mostly at risk youth who I
believe are getting a tremendous chance at over coming the daily obstacles of
just being a kid in the time we live in.
Most kids are overlooked. If they can't compete in sports like basketball
and baseball they are swept under the rug. Table Tennis gives these kids
once again a renewed confidence. It brings out the best in them
academically, mentally and physically. I have had such a great time
working with all these kids and I know one day they will be champions in their
own way. They are the future of NYC.
I also want to thank Paul, CEO of Team Continuum. What a great guy and
what a great team. The cause couldn't be any better. I have so
enjoyed being in the presence of so many successful individuals. Their
fight for the true spirit of life has been such a motivational factor in my
training for table tennis. The whole team has given me such a boost in my
training.
I also want to thank the CEO of FILA. A really great guy and he has been
fantastic. Really a great help to the team. Awesome clothing and gear.
Amazing support. We will all be running the Marathon on November 7th with
him in mind.
I also want to thank Ben Nisbet, my employer. Ben is such a great guy.
He has been the best boss I have ever had. Very good with us. He
treats us an a complete professional manner. Its such a great time in the
meetings. He has been such a great support to me and my family.
I also want to thank Paul David. Paul is a great table tennis player.
His practice really helped get me in shape. He was always there ready to
train with me and help me in anyway I can.
I also want to thank De Tran. De Tran pushed me during the training
sessions. He made me understand that hard work can beat Talent. That
Talent wasn't enough, you need to work hard. No one worked harder than him
to make the US team for the worlds in Paris.
I also want to thank Nison Aronov. He runs a great league in Brooklyn New
York, at the Brooklyn Table Tennis club (718) 421-2200. 1100 Coney Island.
Nison's league really helped me. There was a point that due to my physical
struggles I had wanted to stop playing. Nison convinced me to play his
league. I played only his league for 6 months, once a week and I was able to
maintain my level. When I added practice to the league I was able to go
beyond my level.
I also want to thank someone else who is very important to me. My best
friend (besides my wife) Sean Pirzada. Sean has over come some incredible
adversities that even 10 gold medals couldn't amount to. I have an amazing
amount of respect for him as a person. Him beating me in practice almost
all the time really motivated me. Sean is a great blocker and its always
fantastic to be playing against him. What great practice.
I also want to Thank Peeru. Peeru works with me in AYTTO. His
driving me to different places really helped me use my training time as best as
I could. Peeru is a great guy and he has overcome so much also. I'm
very glad to have a friend like him.
I also want to thank John Bauer for keeping his club open until 3:00am so that I
could practice serves. I want to thank John for blocking for me all those
times when I know he really wanted to loop.
I also want to thank John Mc Fadden and his wife. Two great people.
I had such a good time playing doubles with John. He has been nothing but
great support. I needed a player who was more disabled than my partner so
I chose John. He couldn't have fit the bill better. I know now
his foot work is much better and I'm sure he will need a higher level partner
than myself. We had a great time playing 4200 doubles and would love to do
it again. We have a lot of work but, if we train hard we can win it.
I want to thank Laura Ryan from the USOC. She really gave me an amazing
amount of support by covering all my tournaments. The tournaments were key
in the Bronze medal performance. Thank you again Laura I am forever in
your debt and I will be training hard for 2008.
I also want to thank Dr Michael Patin. What a great guy. He has
helped me so much with my physical challenges. Always there if I need
anything. Welcoming me in his office anytime I want and giving the best
treatment. Dr. Patin is also a really good blocker, attacker. The
training sessions we did were a big help also.
I want to thank Mark from Dr, Patin's office. The best physical therapist
ever. Really great. I know working with me is not as exciting as
working with the Russian basketball team but, thank you for all your help.
You've been outstanding.
I want to thank Jay my Accupuncturist. With out Jay I can clearly say I
would not be able to walk today. I was close to not walking. Jay's
constant effort and intense treatment really gave my body the will to want to
work and get more movement. You have been an incredible help.
Someone I'll never forget. Always allowing me treatment no matter what
time of the day, even late at night. Thank you again. You will
always have a place in my heart.
I want to thank Dr, Fisher from Chiropractic and Wellness center off Park Avenue
in Manhattan. When I first came to you through Team Continuum my neck was
hurting so much and my back. It came to a point where I dwelled even
getting out of bed. I have responded so positively to your treatment.
I feel great. I'm eating better and have so much more energy. Thank
you again.
I also want to thank Cameron Scott. Cameron has been so helpful to me. He
has helped me in so many ways possible. I owe a lot of my level
performance to Cameron. Constantly beating me in practice and motivating
me to play better and better. Cameron is a great player with fantastic
spin and amazing blocks as well as a very very good friend of mine. He is
always great to be around. He intellectual view and focus on certain
issues has made me a much wiser individual. Thank you again Cameron.
I also want to thank Steve Berger. I believe Steve is the best chopper in
the country. Playing against him really helped me. His positive
aspects concerning my game really gave me the mental boost I needed. Thank
you again Steve.
I also want to thank Andre Scott. Andre has been very supportive. He
really was missed here. I can say the team is not the same with out him.
No where near as exciting and we all love to watch his level of play. I am
sure he will be joining us in 2008 with Mitch Seidenfeld where we strive again
to complete the conquest for a medal.
I really really want to thank my sponsors, Stiga and Table Tennis Pioneers.
They have been so great. I can say this with out a doubt. Changing
to Stiga and having Table Tennis Pioneers as my support team raised my level 200
rating points. Thank you again, everyone at Table Tennis Pioneers. I
would never want to be with another company. You guys really are the best.
I want to thank my team mates Jennifer and Wayne. It was so great teaming
up with you guys. We still have a lot of work to do in the next 8 days.
You guys have been great. Jen, you have been so supportive of the team.
Wayne, its been a blast touring Greece with you. Thank you again.
I want to thank my Twin sister Maja and my entire family, Jasmine, Ed and Kirin.
Maja has been with me from day 1. She has supported me in all my training
and efforts. The best sister anyone could hope for. I really have a great
time when we are together and we think so much the same. Can't wait to go
back to NYC and see her. A special thank you goes out to ED. I had
some great times with Ed and I really take him as my own brother no matter how
much we disagree. He really has a great heart.
I want to thank my coach Sean O Neill. Sean really taught me what it is to
be a table tennis player. His vision, his positive thoughts and his energy
have had an amazing impact on my performance. No one could ask for a
better coach. When a match has been won, we win it together. A
really great guy who we all loved having in our house for 2 weeks. Thank
you again Sean, never satisfying others with his performance. That was
key.
Second to last thank you. First I want to thank my wife's family, Das,
Cynthia, Vicky, Grippy, Duece and the dog. They are great in-laws to have.
Really great people and always exciting to be around. I want to thank my
Wife. She really has been such an inspiration and a motivator to my
success. She is the the greatest partner, friend and wife anyone could
hope to have. In the Bronze medal match, I played that match for her, with
her on my mind every point. I am truly blessed.
Finally I want to thank all the USATT players. I really enjoyed watching
you all play in tournaments and I hope you will continue to strive to be your
very best. We have seen here at the Paralympics that over coming adversity
being it, yourself or your opponent, overcoming those things here becomes habit.
It can become habit in USA too. I hope to see some USA Table Tennis
players on the medal stand one day. That is what we all hope for and I
know some day soon we will reach that goal.
Thank you again everyone.
Tahl A. Leibovitz
2004 Paralympic Bronze
Medalist
Today was a very long day. Thanks for the email. So much
pressure. I played the # 1 player from hungry who is #2 in the world.
One match for the bronze medal and the cash.
I won 3 straight. I'm in the top 3 in the world. I won in straight
games. This is my best win ever. I was so nervous but, then I
started moving my feet and looping.
The player I beat was ranked # 2 in the world. I really played well.
He is a blocker with a very strong forehand top spin and heavy spin back hand
loop. I have the match on tape. The stands were full. It was
incredible. After the match, the player form Hungry was crying.
He just laid on the floor crying for 20 minutes. It was very intense.
That was the best I ever played in my life. I moved so well. I was
looping 5-6 balls per point. I don't know how I did it. He was
so nervous. Now I'm not going to get nervous before matches. I can't
believe I was able to win. The player was so much better than me. We
still have the team event. I hope to get a silver in the teams.
The medals look so nice. They are almost exactly like the Olympic medals.
Everyone is really pumped up. I played some good table tennis and Sean was
very impressed.
The USOC put Table Tennis down for no medals. Now that we got a medal
everything changes. The sponsorship is going to triple. Me and Sean
can do anything I want in table tennis. We have such great support from the USOC.
It's really amazing.
I was thinking about stopping but, I think I might make one more run for 2008 Paralympics.
The USOC really is a great help for those pushing themselves and training hard.
I need to get in better physical shape.
It looks like I'll be going to the white house for dinner with the president Oct
3rd.
I'm gonna concentrate on the team match now. I'm top 3 in the world now.
I am very confident.
This was a very long day. I'm mentally spent. I played against
the #1 player from Chinese Taipei this morning in the Quarterfinals. The
first game I was down 6-2. I took some huge risks and won that game at 8.
That set the tone for the match. I won the next game at 8 and the last
game at 8. I had some trouble with the serves. Very deep, sometimes
super topspin, other times light underspin. Very hard to read. I had
lost to this guy last time no chance. It's funny the last 3 guys I beat in
this tournament, I lost to them a few months before no chance. Table
tennis is such a weird game.
Now on to the Medal round. So there I was in the medal round.
Warming up I felt great. I had a really good feeling for the ball.
My next match was against the #1 player from Austria who it turns out had
recently beaten Schlager in a tournament. He used was 10 time Polish
National Champion. I was feeling very confident. The first game I
lost at 6. The second game I lost at 7. The last game I was ahead
6-2 and I lost at 6.
Very tough match. I had a lot of problems returning the serve and
when he got his forehand loop in I couldn't return in. Sean was
right, I needed to play aggressive against his serve. I failed to do that
until the final game. That's ok though because I will get to play him in
the Team event. Maybe even 2 times. Our best chances are in the team
event. We have Austria and Japan in our group.
Tomorrow I have a very big match. I will be playing in the Bronze medal
match. I have to play the # 1 player from Hungry. It's going to be
tough. I spoke with the Swedish coach and he said that the guys blocks are
amazing. He can really return a lot of balls and as luck would have
it, that's where I am weak. I'm better when someone is coming at me.
I don't play well when I have to come at another player.
I would say the match is 50-50 due to these circumstances. Sean said I
need to be confident. This is a tough road. I don't have pressure.
I guess I'll see what happens tomorrow. It would be so great if I could
win a Bronze medal. I would be among the top 3 in the world. Could
be my best result ever.
What I need to do is try and move him before he moves me. I have to go
wide out to his forehand. He lost to the # 1 Chinese player 3-1. He is the
# 2 player in the world. So it's no easy match. Well I'll just go in and
play my best. I can't think about the outcome too much. I just have
to try and play the match. It will really be amazing if I could win this
match.
What a long day. Tough matches. I won my first match this morning against Croatia.
The first game I lost 11-3 I believe. I was up 3-1. The guy wasn't all that
good. He is the # 2 player in his country but, he had someone on his team that
played really well. His team mates name was pressure. I was so nervous. It was
so hard to play. I worked really hard and I won the next 3 games.
My second match which was round of 16, I managed to win that one also. I was so
tired. It was a late night match. I rested about 2 hours before the match. I was
just physically spent. Plus my right shoulder is giving me a lot of problems,
not to mention all my other disabilities.
The player I played against was the number one player from Netherlands. He had
beaten me before at the US Open in Colorado. He beat me 3-0, I had no chance.
This time it was a bit different.
I was having trouble moving the whole tournament so before the match me and Sean
worked on Foot work drills. Also we decided I wasn't going to give up the table
no matter what. In the previous matches, all the players were forcing me to give
up the table and move back. This match I stayed close to the table. The first
game I was up 4-2. Then I got so nervous. I went down 10-5 and then lost 11-7. I
can't begin to tell you how much pressure I feel. Its beyond anything I have
ever seen or felt.
So anyway, I won the next game 11-6. I won the game after that and in the last
game I was up 4-0. He called a time out. I served short to his backhand and
tried to open, I locked up. I did the same thing and locked up again. he went up
5-4. Then 5-5. Then I went up 7-5. Then 9-5. Then 10-8. Then I was forced back
and he missed a ball after I fished a few.
I think I won that match because I got some really lucky counter loops off the
bounce in the first game. Because of that my opponent started going for a bit
more and trying to finish the ball. Sean said if he had moved his loops around
instead of trying to go for big smashes I would not have won.
I hit a lot of nets and edges during that match. Tomorrow I have to play Chinese
Taipei. I am so so very nervous. I don't want to be negative but, I don't see
how I could win being this nervous. The pressure is just something I'm not able
to deal with right now. I'll have to find a way. The player I am playing against
has a very good block and a strong forehand top spin and smash. He is a
penholder, which is good. Normally I play well against penhold players who use
sponge. The problem I have is when a penhold blocks it is hard for me to move
them. I can't get them out of their comfort zone.
I guess it will all be about dealing with the pressure. I hope I can do that,
stay to the table and spin when ever I get the chance.
I just want to say thank you for everyone's support. Thanks Especially to my
Coach Sean O Neill. I want to thank Team Continuum. I want to thank the Ceo of
the Team Paul. I also want to thank the Ceo of Fila for all their support. I
want to thank William St Charles, our medical Doctor here in Greece. I want to
thank my sister for her support and most off all I want to thank my wife Dawn.
She has been there though all the training.
Well I'm in a position now I never thought possible. I'm in the quarter finals
of the Paralympic Games. I'm not saying this is the end of the line but, I'm not
going in with high expectations. My biggest opponent now is myself.
I almost forgot about my teammates. That's pretty selfish of me. They got
smoked!!! Ok, just kidding. Actually Wayne (Way-nus) won his match today. That
was great. His opponent did a racket toss of about 10 feet. Wayne (Way-nus) now
has a win under his belt. He is ready for the teams. He won't be advancing
because he lost to 2 people in his group. He was out as of yesterday. Smokin!!
Jennifer played some good table tennis today. She played the first 2 games
close. The last game got torn up. It was a nice match, It's too bad she didn't
win that because her opponent won against the # 1player in the group. So
Jennifer ended up with a donut in 3 matches. It was a good run, had to close out
sometime. Also in case you don't know Jennifer has 3 Gold medals, 3 Silvers and
some bronze. She doesn't need anymore medals.
Ok I'm heading out. Going to the medical room. I am in serious pain. I'll see
you all tomorrow.
Ok, lets see. Where to start. The day didn't go very well.
I won my first match against Iran 3-0. I won 2 games in deuce. Then
at 6:00pm I lost to Japan. I was up the first game 9-6. Then I
served in the net. After that he served and killed 2 balls. Then the
guy killed 2 of my serves in. I lost the next 2 games 11-6, 11-6.
What was really frustrating is that I froze up. I couldn't play.
There was too much pressure. I was playing into his backhand and I should
have been going wide to the forehand. I just couldn't get the ball there.
I'm still in the Open though. Two people advance out of the group.
If I beat the #3 player in the group tomorrow. I will advance to the main
draw. I will probably be one round away from the Quarter-Finals. The
# 1 player lost in his group also. The competition is so tough. What's
really hard is that everyone plays within themselves. So one gives into
the pressure.
I'm confident I will win my match tomorrow. I don't have any more
pressure. Then after my first match it will depend on my draw. I
still feel I have the ability to beat anyone in the tournament. Today was
a good wake up call.
The rest of the team struggled a bit. Jennifer lost to a player in her
group three games to Zero. The first 2 games she just seems to over play a
bit. She was taking a lot of risks. She played really smart in the
last game going up 5-1 but then the game went against her.
Wayne was a bit tight going into his first match. He lost to the weakest
player in his group 3-0. Wayne took the role of attacker against a
defensive player and as a result was being thrown all over the place.
However, Wayne's next match was very interesting. Wayne played against the
class 8 world champion. The match went a full 5 games. Wayne lost
but, it was so close (except the the last game). We really though he had
that one. Everyone of the spectators was watching Wayne's match. The
rallies were really long. The ball went over the next on average 5-6 times
per point.
Wayne is now concentrating on the team event with me since he is out of the
singles. He seems to be getting better each day. I think we have a
great chance in the teams. I would hate to come home empty handed like I
did at the 2002 IPC World championships. I lost in the Quarters.
Well I guess that's about it. I learned a lot today. I know some
players are able to play mentally well in the face of unstoppable odds. I
wasn't that player. I have never been that player. Perhaps my mind
set will change this tournament and I will be able to play when I'm mentally up
against the wall. I know few players who can.
I got the draws last night. I have the #1 player from Japan in my
group. I beat him once in Colorado and lost to him once. It will be
a very tough match because his style is good for these conditions. He
plays like Lily but, really safe and very smart. He takes no risks.
Extremely hard to beat. I also have the #1 player from Croatia in my
group. I beat him once and I lost to him once in Colorado. He is
very hard to beat also. He plays a bit like John Wetzler only he has
medium pips on his backhand. he plays the medium as if they were long.
He is using a rubber I have never seen but, what's really tough is when you
think he is playing as though using long pips he smashes with the backhand
instead. His forehand is really tough also, its very spinny and very fast.
I think I am going to try and get him to over play his forehand stroke.
I think my first match is against the # 1 player from Iran. That should be
taking place at 10am. Then I play the # 1 player from Japan at 6:00pm
As far as the Japanese guy, its going to be a struggle. Probably my most
physical match of the tournament. I lost to him 3-0 the first time I
played him. The second time I was up 2-0 and I won in 5 games. He
was up 7-4 in the last game. I remember it took everything I had to win
that match. This will be a struggle.
What's really bad is that the #1 player from China who is ranked # 11 because he
hadn't played many tournaments, He is in the same group as the # 1 player
from Austria. So one of them will end up being in my half if I come out of
my group and even if I come out #1 in my group I could end up playing the best
Chinese player in the Quarters. There is no easy way to the medal.
This is probably the toughest tournament draw I have ever played in so far.
The rules are really crazy. You have to show up 30 minutes before each match,
have 2 different shirts, have 2 rackets. If you don't do any of these
things your defaulted. Plus you have to have your ID card too. The other
thing is if you take off your shirt in the playing hall your defaulted.
(Defaulted means your out of the tournament and they send you home). Also
if you glue in any place besides the special gluing area your defaulted.
What's really cool is they have these special gluing machines which dry your
rubber for you. I've never seen anything like it. It's really neat.
They said that the table tennis venue is the best out of any sport.
Swimming venue is # 2. I took lots of pictures.
The whole team is at Opening Ceremonies tonight. I decided to stay in the
Village because I wanted to rest for my match tomorrow.
We got cell phones today so I've been calling everyone back home. I have
to admit they really went all out for the athletes this time. Everyone is
saying this is the best Paralympics ever. It really is incredible.
The whole team is having such a great time. Wayne is going crazy every
second. Sean loves it here and I'm sure would move in for good.
Jennifer is having a great time also. Hopefully when I write again I would
have beaten Iran and Japan. It's really going to be tough against Japan.
I'll have to play wide out to his forehand also.
One thing I want to add. Playing under these rules is a mental obstacle in
itself. In the US we never play with these kind of restrictions. If your
service is even slightly questionable you will be faulted. If you break
any rules, your out. If you show up 29 minutes before the match, your out.
If you don't have 2 different color shirts your out. I was
speaking with Sean today and we both agreed that Medals are won and lost in the
village.
What is really amazing is the woman's Volleyball team. Their team is in
the same building as us and the coaches in the same dorm. They have been
going over slides and videos and plans for what it seems like every second.
All the girls are in the room all the time and they are having meeting after
meeting after meeting. I have never seen people so serious about a game.
I am seeing now that winning a medal at the Paralympics is something these
people train for all their lives.
I had dinner with the US soccer team. They played in 3 Paralympics and
haven't won a medal yet. Everyone is so focused on winning, its just
amazing. These people are so professional. All they do is watch
video's and graphs.
Some of the coaches rented hotel rooms to be closer to the venue. What an
intense drive these coaches and athlete's have to win. I can tell you
this, no one is here for a vacation. Everyone is killing themselves to
medal.
Today was a very interesting day. We did some training in the morning,
then we went to Acropolis. It was very exciting. We had a really
great view of the city and the people were very interesting. After that we
went to the city and did some shopping. The prices are very expensive for
Olympic clothing. Looks like I'll have to cut a few people off the gift
list.
I'm learning better to adjust to the conditions here. I beat Sean 3-0 for
the second time. I need to play closer to the table and off the bounce
when ever possible. When the ball drops it is extremely hard to play.
I also found when I am off the table I have to move my racket slightly towards
the side so the ball doesn't sail off the end of the table.
The people here are so nice. Everyone is interested in the United States.
They all talk to us and ask us about our country and about table tennis.
I watched a few of the other countries training. Everyone is having
trouble with the conditions except the #1 player from Austria and the Chinese
players. They seem to be adjusting well. It looks like I'll be
playing the #1 player from Hungry in my group. He is seated #2 in my class.
I was told he plays everything off the bounce. That will be hard for me.
I don't feel much pressure right now so hopefully I can use that to my
advantage.
So many of these players just don't look disabled at all. They really move
well and they hit the ball so hard. They all have really great topspin.
It seems a lot of players have improved since 1996 and also there are many new
players.
Well, Sean is in a meeting now doing the draws. It is going to be really
tough to even win one match. Everyone is very focused and playing really
smart. I think my level now is solid 2500 so I'm as ready as I could ever
be. My first match is Saturday at 10:00am.
Today was a very interesting day. We got a chance to play in the main
hall which has seating for 6,000 spectators and expects to be sold out every day
of the competition. I also found out there is a channel is every European
country which is broadcasting the Paralympic Table Tennis. (now known as
the Gimp-lympics, as we have decided to change the name to pump ourselves up).
We are all still having a great time. I went to a sports
doctor/chiropractor. This guy stepped up. He did some work on me
(him and 4 other doctors) and they managed to get more range of motion on my
forehand side. They said I am a test case.
The food is outstanding. They have this yogurt at McDonalds. That is
amazing. Plus they give curry sauce with the fries at McDonalds.
Although I haven't been eating there, just the yogurt.
We decided that Wayne is just going to block the ball because from watching the
videos he is hitting everything out.
Jennifer is playing a lot better. She is getting used to the conditions.
Also I was nominated for Flag Bearer. I hope I don't win because the flag
is pretty heavy.
We just finished watching Videos. After practice tomorrow we are going to
Acropolis. Then
we are going to the city to shop. I can't wait to get to the Islands.
They have some Olympic stores in the city. I'll be heading to them.
Panasonic just sent about 20 huge monitors so that we can all watch our matches.
They have been really helpful and a great sponsor when it comes to videos.
Well I guess that's about it for now. I'm gonna make some phone calls back
home to tell everyone in NYC that they are garbage.
Today was an exciting day. I got 9 hours of sleep. In the morning
we went for a really good breakfast. The place was packed up. So
many people. Then we had a 10:00am practice. I got lost in the
playing hall. They said that the Table Tennis Building is the best venue
in the entire games. The Greece National Team wants to make it their
practice center after the games.
My play today really stunk. I lost to Sean in practice 3-0, no chance.
The conditions here are tough to get used to. The tables skid and the ball
is so so soft. It's hard for me to adjust. But, it will be hard for
the other players to adjust as well. I can't let it get to me mentally.
After practice we ate lunch. I had some food from Singapore. It was
really good. Then I went to the medical office for some back work.
Then some laundry. Finally I glued 3 rackets with brand new rubber and
Sean cut all the rubber for me.
Everyone is having such a great time here. We are all having fun every
second. Also, I just got some more stuff today. I got a really nice
Watch. I think the company name was swatch. I also got tons of other
things. I have an Olympic Ring as well with my name on it and an even
better watch if that's possible.
Let's see what else, yeah my play stinks. I'm having trouble adjusting.
I know Brad Gilbert loves to play in weird conditions. I have to learn to
be like that mentally.
The pressure is so intense. All the USOC cares about now are medals.
But, what's really good is if you medal, you are set. You get good money
and great benefits plus a training program in which your an elite athlete.
Anyway, not much else to say right now. Just that we are all having the
best times of our life. It's a really great atmosphere and we feel like
incredible athlete's. The benefits to win now are outstanding. Also
just being a part of the team is an amazing thing.
If I win a Gold medal here, I am thinking about retiring. There isn't much
more I can do in the world of table tennis. It won't be easy to win.
For instance there is a player from Austria who lost in the 2000 Paralympics
but, he is world class. Just 4 months ago he was ahead of Schlager 2 games
to one and 10-7. He has wins over Waldner, Ding Song, and about 20 other
top players. He also beat Lupi in a big tournament. He won the
polish national championships well a few times. Then there is another
player from Nigeria who got a bronze medal in singles at the African
Championship. There is also another player from France. Sean said
this player did very well in the France National Championship and had some good
wins. All these players play in Division one in there country. But,
I really do have confidence in myself. I really feel I can win. I
guess I'll find out in a few days.
Today was a very tough day. I didn't get to sleep at all last night.
Having some trouble with teh time change. It is now 10:00pm Greece time
and I am getting ready to sleep.
We started the day with a really good breakfast. Then we check some email
and went to practice. We trained for about 2 hours. After that we
had the flag raising. That was pretty interesting because when, (I think
it was New Zealand) went up, everyone started going crazy. Everyone from
New Zealand that is). They started chanting and screaming for like what
seemed at least 10 minutes.
They had some very nice Greek singers singing. After that I went to do
laundry and watches some video tapes for 2 hours of players from Netherlands.
Now I am just burnt out physically. I'm gonna try and sleep at least 10
hours. I have to be up at 8:00 am because we have training at 10:00am.
I flooded the bathroom again. The shower just goes all over the place.
The water went all over the apartment. I didn't tell anyone it was me
thought. I had a great time at dinner.
I'm out. See you all tomorrow. I have lots of pressure and cash
riding on this tournament. I'll have to raise up. I was playing 2400 at
the start of the trip. I think I'm up to 2475 now.
The time change is very hard to deal with here. I find myself a bit
drained physically. Having some back problems. Today we were able to
scope out some of the competition. We watched China Play. There #1
player from China who is a class 9, which. is the same class as me; he looks
pretty solid. It's gonna be a tough match. Sean said he is a solid
2600. I don't think he is that good. I think perhaps he is 2550.
It's hard to tell.
What was also good is that Japan is playing a class 6 player in the team event.
That's great. It looks like we will be able to advance out of the team
event. I lost to the Japanese class 9 one time and beat him one time in a
previous tournament. He will be tough to beat.
There is so much pressure. Sean says the playing condition is a bit slower
and favors players who open up first with good top spin. Everyone is
really nervous. I think some of my team mates are nervous because of the
prize money. All I'm thinking about is how I can maintain a good physical
ability. I've done everything so I can peak for this tournament.
We took the bus at around 1pm to the playing venue. It really is
incredible. It seats 6,000 spectators and they expect the stands to be
full. Everyone is treating us so great. I need to get used to the
playing conditions.
It's 1:30am now, I'm probably going to try and get some sleep now. It's
gonna be a long day tomorrow. I spend a lot of hours in the Medical Office
getting treatment.
I guess that's about it for now. I don't play for another 5 days. Everyone
is very nervous.
[Several hours went by, and then came "part two."]
Its 6:29am. I have been up all night cause I can't sleep.
It's really hard to make it to the Paralympics now. Its not like
before. I almost didn't make it. I won 3 Gold in ParaPanAms that's
how I was able to qualify. The competition is really hard. This will
probably be our last chance to medal. We have a really great chance in the
teams because there are 7 teams only. We are playing Japan in our group
and Austria. I lost to the Japanese player before but, his partner
is weak. I believe we can beat that team. Austria is tough because
the best player is previously 10 time Polish National Champion. He has
wins over Waldner, ding song and many other top players. He is 52
though. Sean said he is 2650.
We would probably finish 2nd in our group and then have to play in the medal
round against Netherlands. I lost to their #1 player 3 straight. I
had no chance. However, their # 2 player is relatively weak.
Probably 2150. We beat them in the team match before, with Wayne beating
the #2 player and me beating the #2 player 3-2! Then we won the
doubles. If we can beat them again and of course get out of our group we
will for sure have at worst a Silver medal.
I think we are 7 hours a head. I couldn't sleep much. I woke up
at 7:30 am which I think is either 3:00pm NYC time or 12 at night NYC time.
My schedule is out of whack. Now its 9:18 am here. I'm not sure what
time it is over there. I think it should be 2:18am.
The village is pretty interesting. There are a lot of things here.
There is a haircut place and dry cleaning. Its just like a village in
Europe. They have concerts every night. I forgot to bring the camera
but I can buy some here and take pictures. I might do that tomorrow.
We are not going to go to the Greek islands
I'm gonna go and watch TV. The bathrooms are different. You can't put toilet paper in the toilet. You have to put it in the Garbage can and the can is very small. Also there is no bathtub. There is a drain in the middle of the bathroom. The whole bathroom gets flooded with water and then you have to sweep the water down the drain. I flood the bathroom anyway so I'm used to it. I went to the Olympic store and everything is very expensive. Some of the things in the village are not free, like calling cards and camera's. I still have one calling card left that was given to me and 3 Camera's. The Camera's are in NYC.
I am finally in the Olympic Village. Such a long trip. The village is incredible. The best tournament I have ever been too. The travel however was a bit tiring, I haven't slept yet. It is now 8:00pm Greece time. I think we are 7 hours ahead of NYC. I left Washington DC at about 12:00 noon and just arrived 1 hour ago. So that means I was traveling for 24 hours straight. I didn't sleep well the night before that because Wayne was snoring. WE left at 12 noon and got to the airport at about 5:30 pm after loading all the disabled athletes in the bus. Then the plane sat on the runway for 4 hours. That really sucked. We had to load the cripples into the plane. Then we arrived in Greece 10 hours later. I didn't sleep on the plane. Then it took like another 4 hours to get the cripples off the bus. Then I took a bus ride for about almost 2 hours because the bus driver didn't know where he was going. Then I had to check into the village. That took about 3 hours. Then they brought our luggage for all athlete's 140 different countries. That took about 5 hours to sort out. I ate after that. The food is very good. It's hard to describe the village. It is surrounded by mountains but, they are not ordinary mountains because they are houses on the mountains covering every inch of them. The food is really good. Very high class. We have over 1,000 different types of foods to chose from. I had some Greek food today. The best thing is the Greek yogurt. It is very famous. It is like that brown cow yogurt, the top where there is cream but, only 5 times better and the whole yogurt is like that. The people here are very nice. I am going to go to the Greek islands tomorrow or in the next day or two. I am told that they are very beautiful. They say the islands used to be heaven for the Greek gods. I don't have any table tennis match until about 8 more days. I don't know what I am going to do for those days because we don't have much practice time for table tennis. I'm gonna check the gift shop in a few minutes. I also go a card that I could go to any vending machine and get everything for free. I have so many things. I got at least 3,000 worth of clothing. I have 3 pairs of sneakers, 6 track suits and tons of other things. There are so many people here. More than 144 different countries I think. Iran is here and Iraq, Egypt. Any country you could think of is here. I just found out we have 20 computers in our building I am in which is really good. It is open 24 hours. There is nothing here that you can't have. If you ask for it, they will find it and bring it to your door. I don't know if I'll be going to the white house. I have to find out about that. I really don't want to go because that would mean I have to spend like 2 extra days in Washington and I really don't want to do that. I have to work Oct 1st. Plus I'm sure I'll be tired of the place by then. I have to find out where I can call. I might need a phone card. The village is so huge that I have to find where everything is. I think they are giving me a bike to ride. There is a tram that drives around the whole village.
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