One-Armed Athlete Competes in Table Tennis at Paris 2024 Olympics
Brazilian athlete Bruna Alexandre is one of two para-athletes competing in table tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Competing with Determination
Bruna Alexandre played two matches on August 5th, as Brazil faced South Korea in the women’s team event. Born in 1995, Alexandre performed impressive hits and slices, just like any other player. Her serves stood out, as she deftly placed the ball on her racket and tossed it high before striking it.
Her serve may seem effortless now, but it was once a significant challenge. From a young girl with one arm, Alexandre has risen to become a professional table tennis player. Although Paris 2024 is her first Olympics, it was a short-lived journey as Brazil faced a top medal contender in the opening round. “It’s not the outcome I hoped for, but I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved,” the 29-year-old athlete told Reuters.
Match Highlights
In the first match, Alexandre teamed up with Giulia Takahashi and lost 6-11, 5-11, 8-11. Brazil then split the next two singles matches before Alexandre returned for the final singles match, losing to Lee Eun-hye 8-11, 5-11, 6-11. Despite the losses, Alexandre expressed pride in her team’s effort against one of the strongest opponents.
Overcoming Adversity
At just six months old, Alexandre lost her right arm due to a blood clot caused by an improper vaccine injection. She discovered table tennis at the age of seven and has since won several titles, including a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
“Never give up on your dreams, whether you have one hand or one leg. Believe that anything is possible,” Alexandre said. “I’ve made it to the Olympics after a 22-year career.”
Though her Olympic journey ended early, Alexandre remains undeterred. She views her participation as an honor and now sets her sights on winning gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, with aspirations to continue competing through Los Angeles 2028. “I believe I’ve contributed not just to table tennis but also inspired other people with disabilities,” Alexandre stated.
Unique Challenges and Coaching
Alexandre’s challenges include maintaining balance and speed, but she compensates with a unique serve that confounds opponents. Her coach, Jorge Fanck, treats her training almost like any other athlete’s. “She compensates for any difficulties with her talent,” he told the AP.
Paralympic and Olympic Participation
Bruna Alexandre is the first Brazilian athlete to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics. However, she is not the only one at Paris 2024.
Melissa Tapper, a table tennis player from Australia, is participating in her third Olympics. Tapper has a brachial plexus injury from birth, which limits sensation and movement in her right arm. Ranked 248th globally, compared to Alexandre’s 182nd, Tapper also began playing table tennis at a young age and won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. To enhance wrist strength during matches, Tapper wears a custom brace on her right forearm. “People often think I just have a sprain or something like that,” she explained.
In the women’s singles event at Paris 2024, Tapper was eliminated in the first round by fourth seed Shin Yu-bin of South Korea. In the women’s team event, she and teammates Michelle Bromley and Jee Min-hyung lost 0-3 to Taiwan.
Bruna Alexandre and Melissa Tapper exemplify resilience and dedication, proving that determination can overcome any physical limitation. Their stories inspire countless individuals, both on and off the court.
