Almost 21 years after making her first appearance at the European Championships, Romania’s Elizabeta SAMARA is preparing for another challenge on the continental stage. At 37, with eight European titles and an extraordinary collection of medals behind her, the former Women’s Singles champion remains as enthusiastic about competing as she was at the beginning of her career.
The 2026 European Championships in Ljubljana will mark another chapter in a remarkable journey that began in 2005. For SAMARA, the competition has always held a special significance, regardless of how much she has achieved over the years.
“My first appearance at the European Championships was back in 2005, so this competition holds a very special place in my heart. I’m happy and grateful to have the opportunity to compete in another edition of the European Individual Championships after so many years at the highest level,” said SAMARA.
“I believe that what has never changed over the years is my love for the game and the joy of competing. Of course, the experience I’ve gained has helped me approach things with more maturity, but the excitement and desire to compete are just as strong as ever.”
Few players in Ljubljana can match SAMARA’s European Championships record. Her eight gold medals include the Women’s Singles crown in Yekaterinburg in 2015, two Women’s Doubles titles, two Mixed Doubles titles and three Team triumphs. She has also collected ten silver and six bronze medals at the Championships.
Among all those achievements, two moments remain particularly close to her heart.
“Without a doubt, one of my most beautiful and emotional memories is winning the gold medal with the Romanian team in Luxembourg in 2017. It was an incredibly special moment, especially after losing several finals in previous years. The joy of finally winning that title was enormous, and it’s a memory I will always carry in my heart.”
Her individual triumph in Yekaterinburg two years earlier was equally memorable, particularly because she had arrived without expecting to win the title.
“Another unforgettable moment was winning the European Singles gold medal in 2015. To be honest, I didn’t expect to become European champion. My goal was simply to win a medal, as I had never reached the podium in the Singles event before. The fact that I managed to win gold made that achievement even more special.”
SAMARA’s achievements extend well beyond the European Championships. She won silver at the Europe Top 16 in 2025, adding to her bronze from 2018, and helped Romania secure Team gold at the 2023 European Games, where she also claimed Women’s Singles bronze. Her international record includes Women’s Singles silver at the 2012 World Cup in Huangshi and Team bronze at the 2026 World Championships in London.
Ahead of Ljubljana, SAMARA has maintained a demanding competition schedule, with her most recent appearance coming at China Smash in Beijing.
“I’ve had a very busy competition schedule recently, with many tournaments, the most recent being China Smash in Beijing. These events have helped me evaluate my level of play and identify the areas where I still need to improve.”
“I still have a few days to work on certain details and make adjustments to the things that haven’t gone exactly as I would have liked. I feel confident and optimistic that everything is moving in the right direction and that I’ll arrive in Ljubljana ready to give my very best.”
Having witnessed more than two decades of changes in European table tennis, SAMARA believes the women’s game has reached a new level of competitiveness.
“The level has increased enormously compared with the early years of my career. Today, European players are extremely well prepared, and the competition is much stronger and more balanced. New generations of talented and ambitious players are constantly emerging, making every match a real challenge.”
While experience has given her a different perspective on competition, it has done little to diminish her motivation. Even after winning almost everything European table tennis has to offer, SAMARA continues to find inspiration in the game itself.
“My biggest motivation is still my love for table tennis. I play this sport with passion, and I’m happy that, even after so many years, I still truly enjoy being at the table and competing.”
“The adrenaline, the emotions during matches, and the excitement of competition are what keep me motivated to continue and always strive for more.”
As for what she hopes to achieve in Ljubljana, the Romanian star prefers to keep her ambitions private.
“As for my goals in Ljubljana, I prefer to keep them to myself. I know what I want to achieve, and I sincerely hope I can turn those dreams into reality!”
