Kim Gi Tae Claims His First Paralympic Gold While Chen Po Yen Earns TPE’s First Class 11 Medal

The Class 11 Men’s final at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was nothing short of thrilling, as South Korea’s Kim Gi Tae and Chinese Taipei’s Chen Po Yen, first time Paralympian, delivered an unforgettable match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Chen Po Yen, the 2023 Global Games Champion, came out strong, dominating the first set 11-3 with sharp attacks and unbreakable defence. The next set, however, turned the tide and showcased the sheer grit and determination of both players. Kim Gi Tae described the experience as,

“Chen Po Yen is a really good player who kept receiving and countering all of my attacks without fazing. He was like a huge wall I was trying to break through. He kept returning all my smashes so well. I enjoyed it, but at some point, I wanted it to stop.”

The set ended in an intense 15-13 victory for Kim, a testament to the level of focus and endurance both athletes displayed. From that moment on, the match only grew more intense, with both players engaging in long rallies filled with relentless smashes and rapid counters. Kim Gi Tae, however, managed to find his rhythm, overpowering Chen Po Yen in the final two sets, winning 11-7 and 11-9 to secure his first Paralympic gold medal.

Chen Po Yen, though falling short of the gold, gave an extraordinary performance that earned him a silver medal. Reflecting on the match, he expressed his mix of emotions,

I feel happy to have won my first Paralympic silver, but it’s a pity I didn’t get the gold. I’ll keep trying harder for the next time.”

Kim Gi Tae’s triumph wasn’t just about skill—it was about his mental strategy. “I had to relax and focus on getting one point at a time because the rallies were so long,” he shared after the match.

His ability to maintain composure, combined with gruelling training sessions that included long hours of weight training, helped him push through the high-pressure rallies against such a formidable opponent.

As for Chen, his coach spoke of the young player’s potential, saying,

“He’s still young and has a long road ahead. There’s no rush; this silver is just the beginning for him.”

Both players took pride in their performances and in winning their respective medals as it was their first Paralympic medal.

“This medal is super important for me and because it is a gold medal and I feel like I’m on the clouds, I feel like I am flying. I want to dedicate this medal to my parents”, Kim Gi Tae told Virtus.

“This is the first medal for Chinese Taipei in Class 11 so I am happy”, said Po Yen.

The Class 11 Men’s final at Paris 2024 will be remembered as a battle of resilience and heart, with both Kim Gi Tae and Chen Po Yen proving that they are the future of Paralympic table tennis.

NEXT UP: 6th September

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