TABLE TENNIS: Two of the country’s best young table tennis players have snatched a spot on the 2014 Australian Youth Olympic Team (AYOT).
Dominic Huang, 16, and Vy Bui, 17, will represent Australia this August at the second summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Nanjing, China.
Victorian athlete, Huang, says the opportunity to represent his country is a dream come true.
“It can be described as the greatest milestone in my life so far,” the young athlete said.
“I am proud of myself and proud to represent Australia.”
Huang qualified a spot after defeating the top seed in straight sets and taking out the boy’s singles at the Oceania Youth Olympic Games Qualification Tournament in the Cook Islands last month.
The 16-year-old, who will ramp up his training to 15 hours a week ahead of Nanjing, says he is eager to make his mark as an Australian Table Tennis player.
“Going for a medal is a dream in table tennis for an Australian, but nothing is impossible,” Huang said.
“Regardless, if I win or not, I'll put in my best and make the most of the opportunity and experience [because] this is a great opportunity to play with the best from each country and to learn from them.”
With Rio just around the corner the Australian with Chinese heritage says he hopes his selection to the AYOT will be a valuable stepping stone to Olympic success.
Joining Huang on the Table Tennis team, is South Australian Vy Bui.
Like her teammate, Bui bolstered her AYOT position after placing first in the ladies singles at the Oceania Championships.
The 17-year-old and University student will be one to look out for after bagging six gold medals for Australia at the International Table Tennis Federation Oceania Cup & Championships.
The pair will compete at the Wutaishan Gymnasium, Nanjing from 17 – 23 August.
Laura Judd
olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam
2014 Australian Youth Olympic Team - Table Tennis section
