Born: April 12, 1991
Biography:
Liu Shiwen, born on April 12, 1991, is a Chinese table tennis player renowned for her remarkable skills and achievements in the sport. With an impressive record of victories and consistent top rankings, she has become one of the most notable figures in international table tennis.
Growing up in Liaoning, China, Liu displayed an early talent for table tennis and began training at a young age. Her dedication and hard work soon paid off as she rapidly rose through the ranks in both national and international competitions. Liu’s incredible speed and agility on the table earned her a reputation as one of the fastest players in the world.
In her career, Liu Shiwen has secured numerous titles and accolades. She has claimed the World Cup championship an astounding five times, showcasing her dominance and skill in the sport. Additionally, she achieved the title of World Champion once and became the champion of the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals on three occasions. Liu’s success extended to the Asian Cup, where she triumphed four times.
Liu Shiwen’s exceptional performance has also been evident in her world rankings. She held the coveted No. 1 rank by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) for an impressive total of 33 months. This includes nine consecutive months from January to September 2010, thirteen consecutive months during 2013–2014, and eleven consecutive months during 2015–2016. From early 2012 to mid-2017, Liu consistently maintained a top-two position in the ITTF Women’s World ranking, with no lower rank than third.
Off the table, Liu Shiwen has overcome various challenges throughout her career. In 2020, her season was cut short due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, she suffered an elbow injury that sidelined her for most of the year. However, Liu’s determination and resilience enabled her to undergo surgery and make a successful recovery.
Liu Shiwen’s impact extends beyond her individual achievements. She has been a valued member of the Chinese national table tennis team and has represented her country in numerous international competitions. Her contributions have played a significant role in China’s continued dominance in women’s table tennis, helping to solidify their reputation as the powerhouse of the sport.
Motivated by her passion for table tennis and a desire to continuously improve, Liu Shiwen remains an inspiration to aspiring players worldwide. Her commitment, skill, and sportsmanship serve as an example for all who admire the game.
Awards:
– Five-time World Cup champion
– One-time World Champion
– Three-time ITTF World Tour Grand Finals champion
– Four-time Asian Cup champion.