Interview with U.S. Women’s Champion Chang Jun Gao

• 1996-2002 U.S. National Women’s Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles Champion (no mixed doubles event in 2002)

• 1999 Pan Am Games Gold Medallist in Women’s Singles & Teams

• 1996 – Ranked #3 in the World

• 1994 U.S. Open Women’s Singles Champion

• 1992 Olympic Silver Medallist, Women’s Doubles

• 1991 World Champion, Women’s Doubles

Do you have a sponsor?

Butterfly sponsors my table tennis equipment.

What and where are your current table tennis activities overseas?

East China University of Science and Technology Table Tennis Club.

What are your table tennis goals?

Get a medal for the U.S. in the Olympics.

You’ve just swept the Nationals for the seventh straight year. How much longer do you think you can do that?

It depends on my physical condition.

Who and where do you practice with these days, and how often?

I practice with the University Team members, usually 2 hours a day, 4-5 times a week.

How old were you when you started to play, and how did you start?

I started to play when I was 5. My father showed me.

Who were your coaches?

Tang Yinsheng (from 5 to 11),Yao Qiumin (from 11 to 17), Zhang Xielin (from 17 to 20), Zhang Li (from 20 to 22), Hui Jun (from 22 to 24).

How old were you when you became a member of the Chinese team, and how long were you on the team?

I became a member of the Chinese team when I was 17, and left the Chinese team when I was 24.

Why did you move to the U.S.?

Because I got married.

How would you describe your style of play?

Do whatever I can do, just keep the ball on the table.

[Editor’s note: Gao, a pips-out penholder, is known for her steady blocking and pick-hitting, as well as her super-high high-toss serve.]

If there were anything in your game you could improve, what would it be?

More power.

Do you see any players coming up who might challenge you at some point?

There are a number of girls who can challenge me.

Outside of table tennis, what do you like to do? Hobbies, sports, etc?

Watch TV, movies, read books and swim.