SHAH ALAM - At 61, Ni Xia Lian defied the conventional athletic prime, representing Luxembourg in table tennis at the 2024 Paris Olympics, capturing global attention as she competed against much younger opponents before ultimately bowing out to the world number one.
Competing in her sixth Olympics, Ni stands out not only for her skill but also for her remarkable longevity in the sport, challenging the perception that athletes are past their prime after 30.
On Monday, she made history by becoming the oldest competitor to win a table tennis match at the Olympics, defeating Turkey’s Sibel Altinkaya, 31, with a score of 4-2.
Ni’s journey to this point is a testament to her enduring passion for table tennis. Born in Shanghai, she began her career at a young age, joining the Chinese national team and winning gold in the team and mixed doubles at the 1983 World Table Tennis Championships.
Despite her early successes, she never had the chance to represent China at the Olympics, as table tennis was only introduced as an Olympic sport in 1988.
In 1989, Ni moved to Germany after retiring from the Chinese national team. She later relocated to Luxembourg, where she has been competing ever since.
Her husband, Swedish table tennis player Tommy Danielsson, serves as her coach and training partner. Their son, a physiotherapist, completes this supportive family unit.
Ni made her Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Games at the age of 37 and has qualified for every Olympics since.
Known affectionately as the ‘Grand Duchess of Luxembourg table tennis,’ she continues to inspire with her dedication and resilience.
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ni faced an exciting challenge: a match against Sun Yingsha, the 23-year-old world number one from China.
Sun, who was not even born when Ni first competed in the Olympics, stands as a formidable opponent. Their match highlighted the vast age difference, with Xia Lian’s experience pitted against Sun’s youthful vigour.
Despite losing to Sun in straight games, 4-0, Ni left an indelible mark. The match concluded with a standing ovation from the crowd and a heartfelt hug from the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
Ni’s composure and sportsmanship shone through as she graciously accepted her defeat, reflecting on the journey and the honour of competing at such a high level.
Her influence extends beyond Luxembourg. In China, where she is beloved, and among her peers, she is affectionately called ‘Aunty.’
Her enduring presence on the international stage has inspired other athletes, including her former teammate Zhiying Zeng, who returned to the sport after three decades and dreams of qualifying for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Ni’s performances in Paris serve as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to achieving greatness in sports.