Summary

In this conversation, Thiago Monteiro shares his journey in table tennis, reflecting on his experiences from early tournaments to the emotional impact of Olympic selections. He discusses the transition from being a player to a coach, emphasizing the importance of player independence and his coaching philosophy. The conversation culminates in a discussion about Hugo's recent World Cup victory, highlighting its significance in their careers and the sport.

SummaryIn this episode of Spin City Podcast, host Ibrahima Diaw and co-host Marcos Madrid welcome table tennis legend Thiago Monteiro. They discuss Thiago's journey from a young athlete in Brazil to becoming an Olympian, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned throughout his career. The conversation delves into the importance of enjoying the sport, the pressures of performance, and the financial aspects of being a professional athlete. Thiago shares insights on training, competition, and the cultural differences in sports between Brazil and Sweden, providing valuable advice for aspiring athletes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Spin City Podcast and Guest Introduction02:43 Thiago Monteiro's Early Life and Introduction to Table Tennis05:04 The Evolution of Table Tennis in Brazil07:32 Key Moments in Thiago's Journey to Professionalism10:06 Transitioning to Training Centers and National Teams12:47 Moving to Europe: Challenges and Opportunities15:23 Olympic Aspirations and Qualification Journey18:08 Experiences in Sweden and Training Dynamics20:40 The Impact of Training in Sweden on Performance23:25 Qualifying for Athens: Achieving a Dream30:22 The Olympic Dream and Its Challenges33:32 The Importance of Enjoying Achievements34:26 The Pressure of Performance38:08 Coaching and Personal Growth43:45 Financial Support and Career Decisions47:10 The Heartbreak of Olympic Selection

SummaryIn this episode of the Spin City Podcast, host Ibrahima Diaw and co-host Marcos Madrid welcome Quadri Aruna, a prominent figure in professional table tennis. They discuss Aruna's journey from playing on the streets of Nigeria to becoming a top-ranked player, his experiences in international tournaments, and the challenges faced by African athletes in securing support and funding. The conversation also touches on the evolution of table tennis organizations, the financial struggles players encounter, and the importance of giving back to the community. Aruna shares his insights on the future of table tennis in Africa and offers advice for young athletes striving to succeed in the sport.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Quadri Aruna02:14 Early Beginnings in Table Tennis05:18 Transition to Competitive Play07:55 The Rise of Table Tennis in Nigeria10:22 Challenges Facing Nigerian Table Tennis12:18 Moving to Europe and Professional Growth16:01 First World Cup Experience19:29 The Rise of Aruna Quadri20:52 The Cost of Competing: A Changing Landscape22:37 The Impact of Financial Barriers on African Players23:33 Adapting and Improving: The Art of Match Play26:58 Moments of Glory: The Rio Olympics Experience29:39 Transformations After Success: A New Chapter32:15 Giving Back: Building Future Generations32:42 Challenges Facing African Table Tennis37:37 The State of African Table Tennis: A Call for Change37:59 High Altitudes and Performance Challenges39:26 Legal Battles in Table Tennis43:12 The Financial Struggles of Professional Players48:08 The Need for Change in Table Tennis Governance50:54 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons55:18 New Chapter

Summary

In this episode of the Spin City Podcast, host Ibrahima Diaw interviews Nico Baurra, manager of FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis, discussing the club's recent Champions League success, event organization improvements, team strategies, and the arrival of star player Fan Zhendong. They explore the importance of rivalries, developing young talent, and creating a family atmosphere within the club, while also addressing the future of table tennis in Europe.

LINK : https://www.youtube.com/@1fcsttChapters00:00 Celebrating Champions League Success04:18 Improving Event Organization07:57 The Thrill of Competition10:48 Rivalries and Collaborations13:22 Team Strategy and Lineup Decisions18:49 The Evolution of FC Saarbrücken25:23 Developing Young Talent30:15 Creating a Family Atmosphere33:24 Accessibility of Training Facilities36:33 The Arrival of Fan Zhendong41:20 Future Prospects and Goals

Summary

In this episode of the SpinCity Podcast, host Ibrahima Diao welcomes table tennis champion Kristian Karlson. They discuss Kristian's journey from a young player in Sweden to becoming a world champion and Olympic medalist. Kristian shares insights on the professional structure of table tennis in Germany, the challenges posed by COVID-19, and the importance of maintaining a fun and enjoyable approach to the sport. The conversation also touches on the pressures of competition, the dynamics of team selection, and Kristian's aspirations for the future, including his preparation for the Paris Olympics and his love for pizza.

In this episode of the Spin City Podcast, host Ibrahima Jau and co-host Marcos Madrid welcome table tennis star Liam Pitchford. They discuss Pitchford's journey from a young athlete to a professional player, his experiences in major competitions like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, and the evolution of his training methods. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a competitive athlete, including the importance of mental health and finding the right training environment. In this engaging conversation, Liam Pitchford discusses the pivotal role of mental coaching in enhancing performance, his experiences navigating the competitive landscape of table tennis, and the challenges posed by the current tournament system. He reflects on his career, including moments of doubt and the impact of COVID-19 on his training and mindset. The discussion also delves into the complexities of the new mixed team format for the Olympics and Pitchford's aspirations for the future, emphasizing the need for a more player-centric approach in the sport.

SummaryIn this episode of the SpinCity Podcast, host Ibrahima Diao welcomes table tennis champion Kristian Karlson. They discuss Kristian's journey from a young player in Sweden to becoming a world champion and Olympic medalist. Kristian shares insights on the professional structure of table tennis in Germany, the challenges posed by COVID-19, and the importance of maintaining a fun and enjoyable approach to the sport. The conversation also touches on the pressures of competition, the dynamics of team selection, and Kristian's aspirations for the future, including his preparation for the Paris Olympics and his love for pizza.TakeawaysKristian started playing table tennis at the age of eight.He transitioned from football to table tennis due to his father's influence.Düsseldorf offers a highly professional training environment.COVID-19 impacted Kristian's training and competition schedule.He felt pressure during his early years in Düsseldorf but adapted well.Winning the World Championship was a significant achievement for Kristian.Team chemistry is crucial for success in doubles.Kristian emphasizes the importance of having fun in sports.He plans to focus on international competitions leading up to the Paris Olympics.Kristian's favorite pizza is from a local pizzeria in Sweden.

In the inaugural episode of the Spin City Podcast, hosts Ibrahima and Marcos delve into the world of professional table tennis, sharing their personal experiences from the Olympics, discussing the sacrifices athletes make, and exploring the dynamics of the French league. They reflect on their journeys, the emotional highs and lows of competing, and the importance of balancing sports with personal life. The conversation also touches on recent player transfers and the evolving landscape of table tennis, setting the stage for future discussions.TakeawaysThe podcast aims to provide insights into the world of professional table tennis.Both hosts share their Olympic experiences and the emotional impact of competing.Investment in training and competition is a significant aspect of an athlete's career.The importance of enjoying the Olympic experience and not just focusing on competition.Life after the Olympics involves new challenges and responsibilities.The hosts discuss the changes in the French league and its implications for players.Player transfers are reshaping the competitive landscape in table tennis.The need for athletes to learn about financial management and career planning.The emotional connection with family and friends during competitions is crucial.Future episodes will explore more topics related to the table tennis community.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone who loves table tennis!
💬 Got thoughts or questions? Reach out to us on social media @SpinCityPodcast.
📅 New episodes every two weeks—stay tuned!