PARIS OLYMPICS 2024: Aussie Qian eyes shot at Los Angeles Olympics after Paralympic gold
Australia’s all-conquering Paralympic table tennis star Qian Yang has hinted that she is open to testing her talents in the Olympics after securing her latest gold medal.
In Paris on Wednesday, Qian brushed aside Poland’s Natalia Partyka in a dominant 3-0 win in the WS10 classification.
Qian’s latest gold came after she claimed the women’s doubles crown alongside fellow Chinese-born Australian Lina Lei earlier in the week.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Qian switched allegiance to Australia in 2017 after winning four Paralympic medals for China.
In the time since she’s played under the Australian flag, Qian, who has no left forearm, has won a further four Paralympic medals and a Commonwealth gold.
“If I am given the opportunity, I would really like to compete for Australia at the Olympics,” Qian said.
“I really like playing for Australia. There is a very friendly training environment. It is not very high pressure in the team.”
Qian’s fellow Australian teammate Melissa Tanner has competed in both Games as has Brazil’s Bruna Alexandre and Partyka.
Prior to their gold medal match meeting Partyka said Qian would not look out of place in the Olympics.
And the Australian backed up that prediction by pumping the Pole in an 11-6, 11-9, 12-10 victory at the South Paris Arena.
“She is good enough to play at the Olympics because she has an Australian passport now,” Partyka said.
“She improved after moving to Australia.”
