Paris 2024: Para table tennis star Lei on making history for Australia

Li Na Lei has won six Paralympic gold medals in Para table tennis, five of them for China before helping Australia make history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The athlete, who relocated to Australia in 2017, won the women's singles class 9 tournament.

Since moving Down Under she has also regained her world No.1 ranking and she now trains for her the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which will take place between 28 August and 8 September. 

The countdown to Paris 2024 has started. How are you feeling?

I’m feeling pretty good about my training regimen lately. I’ve been focusing on both table sessions and strength and conditioning workouts, all tailored to help me achieve my goals. It’s a comprehensive approach that keeps me motivated and on track.

As defending Paralympic champion, how do you deal with the pressure and expectation? 

Setting a goal serves as my motivation, pushing me to strive for success. During games, I remind myself to stay focused on the process, just one point by one point.

Even in hard situations, I refuse to give up. Regardless of the outcome, I always make it a point to prepare for the next game. Whether I win or lose, I remain focused on improving and giving my best at the next opportunity.

You have won six Paralympic gold medals. Is there a favourite?

Every Paralympic gold medal holds a special significance for me, each representing a unique achievement and personal journey.

How has being a Para table tennis player changed your life? 

Being an athlete has provided me with a completely different life experience. Through sports, I’ve learned to embrace failure without fear, understanding that it’s just a natural part of the journey.

How did your journey in Para sport begin? 

My journey in table tennis began when I was just seven years old, at the encouragement of my father, who wanted me to develop a strong physique. After I practiced for three years I started attending both Para and able-body tournaments and got some good results. I realised I probably could be an athlete. 

Have you changed since your Paralympic debut at Athens 2004? 

Looking back, I realise I haven't changed much over the years, but my thoughts have matured. My first Paralympic experience remains vivid in my memory, particularly my goal of winning a gold medal in the singles event. 

Despite my best efforts, I lost that game (the final in the women’s singles 9 tournament against China’s Meili Liu), and the criticism from others about my mindset being weak rather than my technical skills affected my confidence.

Then it was Beijing 2008 where you turned the tables on Liu and won

Competing in front of a home crowd brings a bit of added pressure, but it also serves as a tremendous source of motivation. As I aimed for my second time at the single gold medal, I couldn’t shake off the nerves.

I knew I was in peak playing condition, which added to the pressure. The thought of potentially missing this opportunity weighed heavily on me, knowing that another chance might not come around. Fortunately, I did it.

What are your memories of London 2012?

In London, my playing conditions were challenging as I had just undergone leg surgery. With limited practices since 2008 due to focusing on recovery, I didn’t place too much hope on winning the gold medal. 

At Rio 2016 you were going for a third successive individual gold medal and finished with silver. How did you regard that?

Unfortunately, I hadn't prepared my mindset adequately for the competition. I hadn't considered how I would handle being behind in points against my teammate, whom I had never lost to before. 

As a result, when I found myself trailing after losing the first two sets, I struggled to maintain my confidence. Even though I managed to tie the score, I couldn't shake off the feeling of defeat creeping into my mind, as I had never mentally prepared to face such a situation before. 

What was behind your decision to move from China to Australia? 

I’m the kind of person that is eager to seek out some new and different life experiences, so the decision was mine. Coming to Australia to work in a different programme with new players and coaches has been a challenge I've enjoyed so much. 

It has freshened me up and provided me with some wonderful opportunities and experiences. It's not easy to start a life in a new country, but Table Tennis Australia and Paralympics Australia were so helpful in getting me settled and offering the resources myself and our wider team need to compete at our best. I feel very proud to be an Australian and to represent my country.

Where do you live and train in Australia?

I live in Melbourne. There is a table tennis training centre. We normally do a camp in Melbourne.

Tokyo 2020 was an amazing success for Australia in table tennis. What was the story behind your gold medal? 

We’re backed by a comprehensive team, including managers, coaches, strength and condition specialists, dietician, and analysts. The whole team helped me to achieve my goals. I did not have any pressure, just enjoyed the game.

What were you thinking as the national anthem Advance Australia Fair was played?

I am immensely proud of my accomplishments, hearing our national anthem played in Tokyo filled me with pride. 
 

Discover more about Para table tennis and the 22 sports in the Paris 2024 Paralympic sports programme 

Book your tickets for the Paralympic Games by visiting the Paris 2024 ticketing website