Newbie Natsuki Makes History as First Japanese Woman to Win Paralympic Gold in Table Tennis

Paralympic debutant Wada Natsuki created history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by becoming the first Japanese woman to win a Paralympic gold medal in Para table tennis. Competing in the Class 11 Singles, Natsuki not only won her first Paralympic medal but also etched her name into history with a stunning performance.

The final match was a true showdown between youth and experience. Facing off against Elena Prokofeva, the 53-year-old reigning Tokyo 2020 champion, Natsuki had a tough start. Prokofeva’s experience shone through as she took the first set 11-8. However, instead of wilting under the pressure, Natsuki launched an aggressive counterattack. With fierce precision, she dominated the next three sets, winning 11-8, 11-4, and 11-4, securing her place at the top of the podium. Natsuki already had the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games and 2022 Asia Para Games, and now the Paralympic Gold too.

This momentous win marks not only Natsuki’s first Paralympic medal but also a remarkable achievement for an athlete who picked up the sport just four years ago.

“My biggest goal was to win gold, but my lowest goal was to win bronze. To be honest, I surprised myself. I wasn’t expecting it.” Natsuki admitted to Virtus. “

Her victory reflects a meteoric rise in a sport she once never dreamed of mastering, let alone dominating on the world’s biggest stage.

The gold medal carries deep significance for Natsuki, who credited her success to the unwavering support of her coach and family. “It means a lot to me. I’m very happy,” she said, reflecting on the journey that brought her to this triumphant moment. Despite initial nerves, Natsuki’s strategic brilliance and her ability to stay calm under pressure became her key to success.

“I was nervous at first, but I got better and better, and then calmed down,” Natsuki explained.

Her coach added that self-confidence was the foundation of her performance. “She believes in two things: ‘I can do it,’ and the importance of waiting for the right moment.”

That patience paid off as Natsuki executed a deliberate, tactical approach in the final, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike rather than launching into early attacks.

Looking back on her experience, Natsuki was grateful for every moment, saying, “I enjoyed every match. It was a mixture of struggle and enjoyment, but I enjoyed it mostly.” Her semi-final win gave her the confidence boost she needed to face the final challenge, although nerves remained a constant companion throughout.

For Prokofeva, the silver medalist, Natsuki’s rise was unexpected. “

The main problem for me was that I didn’t know this opponent; she is just 21. You cannot beat someone if you don’t know their game.” ” Prokofeva shared.

Despite the loss, Prokofeva remains determined to continue her career, with her sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. “I don’t want to stop. My goal is to carry on.”

Natsuki’s historic win is not just a personal victory but a beacon of hope for others. Her rise from newcomer to champion is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and belief. She hopes her success will inspire others to chase their dreams with the same relentless spirit. “If they try hard, they can do it,” she declared, sending a powerful message to aspiring athletes everywhere.

Read more about Natsuki’s journey here.

As Wada Natsuki celebrates her incredible achievement, she stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished with dedication and heart. Her name will forever be etched in Paralympic history, a symbol of triumph and the promise of a bright future for Japan’s next generation of athletes.