Global Games bronze for the table tennis star

Days after Alfie Linn almost won, the young table tennis star has claimed both of New Zealand’s medals at the Virtus Global Games 2023 in France.

It was a whirlwind finish for Alfie as he teamed up with Frances Alexandre Sol to claim bronze in the men’s doubles before linking up again to earn silver in the team event and was honored as the country’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony. .

An excited Alfie says: I am so proud to represent the New Zealand team. I feel happy in my heart and make Nelson proud.

Alfie is 21 years old and plays at Nelson Table Tennis Club. He also has Down syndrome and competes nationally and internationally in the II2 group.

He is playing in his second Virtus Global Games and is the only table tennis player in the New Zealand delegation.

During the weekly competition, Alfie has been tantalizingly close to getting a medal many times.

In men’s singles, he was barely able to compete for a medal. He lost 14-12 in the fifth set as he rallied at two sets after being down 2-0.

In mixed doubles, he teamed up with a Czech player. They drew in the quarter-finals, but they’re just short of reaching the semi-finals.

The athletes played 5 consecutive matches in a scorching 35 degree heat, which made the fine margins even tougher than usual.

After finally claiming New Zealand’s first medal, Alfie was given a hero’s welcome at his Kiwi team-mate’s hotel. Most of the athletes were in their pajamas and stayed put to see him before going to bed.

Joining Alfie at the Virtus games is Nelson athlete, swimmer Finn Russ, who reached the final in the 200m freestyle II3 and finished 8th, narrowly missing out on the 50m freestyle final to finish ninth.