“The Monegasque delegation has many great years ahead of it”
Every month, Monaco-Tribune gives the floor to a Monegasque athlete who promotes the Principality. For this first episode, who else but Xiaoxin Yang. Sparkling during Oran Mediterranean Games (Algeria), the Monegasque table tennis player has just won the gold medal.
Back in Monaco on the night of Saturday (July 2) to Sunday (July 3), Xiaoxin Yang has already returned to training. In sight, two international competitions bringing together the best players on the planet from Monday, July 11 in Budapest (Hungary).
READ ALSO: Mediterranean Games: Xiaoxin Yang adorns herself with gold under the eyes of Prince Albert II
Thanks to her performances at the Mediterranean Games, she is now in the world top 10 in the discipline. An accomplishment for her. But at 34, the Rock table tennis player does not intend to stop there.
What feeling predominates after this gold medal?
Much, much happiness. I would never have imagined such a successful competition, with all my matches won 4 sets to 0. Everyone told me that I was the favourite, but only victory counts. I am very happy with this medal.
When you have the chance to compete in the Olympic Games, you are scarred for life!
Xiaoxin Yang
Is it revenge after the silver medal in Tarragona in 2018?
You could say that. In 2018, I had a big disappointment, losing in the final. But it was complicated, just a few months after giving birth.
Did you doubt during the competition?
Not for a moment! I raised my level of play over the days. There is just the second day, where I lost two sets (against the Frenchwoman Lutz, editor’s note). It woke me up a bit. There is always a bit of stress. But I wanted to win so much… When I received this gold medal, I feel relieved. In my head, the goal was achieved.
Did your presence at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo help you?
When you have the chance to compete in the Olympic Games, you are scarred for life! It’s a unique experience, which in the head, brings a lot of additional maturity. When I arrive in a competition now, I feel better prepared.
The presence of Prince Albert II greatly motivated me!
Xiaoxin Yang
Did the support of Prince Albert II play a decisive role?
Honestly, it really motivated me! I didn’t want to disappoint him. In addition, he remained throughout my match (in the quarter-finals, editor’s note). It was amazing. I wanted to show him what I am capable of. It is a great pride.
How do you view the results and performances of the other athletes in the Monegasque delegation, for which you are the flag bearer?
There is a great atmosphere in the team. After my matches, I went to encourage the judokas (Nicolas Grinda and Marvin Gadeau, editor’s note). I also pushed behind Lucas (Catarina). We often stay together, with our coach. I think Lucas can still climb higher, just like Kevin (Crovetto) in gymnastics. We are lucky to have top athletes. But we must give them more time to progress. One thing is certain, the Monegasque delegation has many great years ahead of it.
Exactly, what are your ambitions now?
I succeeded in integrating the top 10 in the world. It is a consecration for me. The result of a lot of effort. But I’m not going to let go. I will try to climb even higher. The objective is at least to keep me there in order to have a good draw during the next Olympic Games in Paris 2024. I have reached the age of maturity. I hope to continue until the Olympic Games of 2028. All these efforts for several years will be rewarded. Monaco helped me a lot. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. I would do anything to give them back what they gave me.