She comes from China, but the table tennis club in Middelstum feels like family to Shuohan Men (23) | The Packers

You were born in China. Did you come to the Netherlands for table tennis, just like Li Jao?

“No, my mother had already come to the Netherlands a year earlier to obtain a PhD in applied linguistics at the university.”

Did you get used to it quickly?

,,Hmmm… Not really. I don’t speak English very well. This makes it very difficult to learn Dutch. Chinese is a completely different language than Dutch or English. Not only the words are very different, but also the order of the words within the sentences.”

And what about table tennis?

“I got used to the club very quickly. When you train together every day, you automatically get to know each other very well. And when it comes to table tennis, we understood each other very quickly.”

You became Dutch champion for the first time at the age of 18. Trinko Keen became Dutch men’s champion at the age of 51. What does that say about the sport?

“You can keep it up for a very long time. Perhaps this is because table tennis players, unlike football players, for example, do not have physical contact with each other. There is a table in between… Moreover, table tennis training is very good for a person; for your body but also for you mind, your focus. After all, during the game you constantly have to think about your next ball. Table tennis is therefore the best sport for me.”

What are your strong and weak (or less strong) points?

“My backhand is good. And my service too – I use a lot of effect and also provide a lot of variety. My forehand is much less, not that strong actually. But I’m working hard on that.”

Pen holder grip or shake grip?

“Just the shake handle. But I also master the pen holder grip. I do that sometimes, when we play for fun after training.”

Do you always train with a ball? Or, like so many athletes, do you also do fitness and strength training?

,,I train a lot with the ball, but also follow a physical program. I do physical training three times a week. We focus on speed, moving to the sides and power.”

You live next to your club Climate Group Stars, told you. Are you not very busy with your sport?

,,No. I manage to distance myself if necessary. But I also just like to go a little longer after training. Table tennis is also just my hobby.”

Do you have any other hobbies?

,,I once had guitar lessons, but I don’t really have time for that anymore. I am too busy studying and playing table tennis.”

You have been playing at Climate Group Stars for years now. Have you ever considered switching to the German league, where you can earn much more?

“Yes, I have thought about it. But you also have to get the chance. Added to this Medium is very important to me. All members are very nice to me and everyone tries to help me, also with school for example. Medium feels like family.”

Do you already have plans for after your active sports career?

“I think I will do something with my studies. Or maybe another education.”

Where is your future? In the Netherlands? Or do you ever want to go back to China?

“I don’t know exactly yet. But I think I will stay in the Netherlands for another five years anyway. Before the corona period, I went to China every summer. I could continue training there, as is very common in China, and visit family.”

So you haven’t been to China in a few years?

,,Yes, but this summer I will go to China again. To train, to visit family and to participate in the World University Games. They are in Chengdu. That is about three and a half hours by express train.”