We will have to wait for a while for a tournaments to start. Players and fans are all anxious to see some action soon but now the priority is to stay healthy.
Most of players gives their best to stay fit under the circumstances and they did not give up their trainings during the isolation. Greek Panagiotis GIONIS is in Athens and according to his Insta stories rare moments of freedom outside his house spends on bike.
We took some of his time to make interview.
Can you remember the moment when you start to play table tennis and who or what was the reason why you did it?
“I started in the age of nine totally by luck one small club was next to my house and I just tried it!!”
Before he hit the heights in sport GIONIS obtained the degree in Dentistry.
When you realize table tennis will become your professional call?
“I realized it after Olympic Games in Athens. I was also a dentist but at that moment I felt that this I want to follow and to do in my life!”
Have you ever felt you had enough and wanted to stop?
“I never felt it!”
First ever award you remember?
“First award was champion of Greece in mini cadets. I was 11 years old.”
GIONIS lived the dream that only few athletes could – he was a member of Olympic team in his hometown – Athens in 2004. Asked about greatest memories in his career he put it on top place.
“The most memorized moments are experience of playing at the Olympic Games in Athens the medals in European Championship 2013 the moment we won Bundesliga title with Borussia Dusseldorf…”
Person that impressed you the most?
“Timo BOLL because he has won everything in his career. He is legend and he is very simple person and playing with him in same team it was big school for me even if our style is not the same.”
Biggest regret in the career?
“I would like to become table tennis professional earlier but living in Greece was not easy. I could not rely on sport as my main profession so I preferred to study too.”
Greatest happiness so far?
“The silver medal in teams and third place in singles in European Championship in 2013 in Schwechat.”
At the same place GIONIS won bronze in singles too.
Greatest sadness?
“The match I lost to KISHIKAWA at Olympic Games in London 2012. I had match ball after amazing comeback and i lost easy ball at 10-9!! I could not sleep for three days after that.”
Your legacy to the sport?
“I hope that many people in the feature will follow my style because not so many players are defenders!! It is very exciting for the spectators.
What is the next goal to achieve?
“My next goal is to try to qualify for my 5th Olympic Games.”
