05/09/2011 – Greece one of the ten countries which have gained the maximum quota of the men’s singles event of the Olympic Games laying the groundwork for new distinctions in the coming season. At the end of the August the national team of me https://www.ettu.org
05/09/2011 – Greece one of the ten countries which have gained the maximum quota of the men’s singles event of the Olympic Games laying the groundwork for new distinctions in the coming season. At the end of the August the national team of men did the main part of the preparation in Karpenisi and worked hard under very good conditions. They used the advantage of working at altitude of 1 250 meters the splendid facilities of the hotel “Montana” and the other because in the camp took part two great French athletes: Michel MARTINEZ and BAI Fengtian.
Martinez is Panagiotis GIONIS teammate in Angers Valliant Bai is playing with Kalinikos KREANGA in Enebont and their participation in the preparation helped all international players and not just the two Greek champions who have already qualify for London from the world ranking.
Coordinator of the program was the federal head coach Konstantinos VATSAKLIS and camps attended even by Kostas PAPAGEORGIOU Tasos RINIOTIS Kostas LAGOGIANNIS Dimitris PAPADIMITRIOU Lefteris MAKRAS George FRANGOULIS and George KONSTANTINOPOULOS. Athletes have two sessions every day while they worked separately to serve as the natural state. The conclusion from the strong training camp was for all positive.
KREANGA and GIONIS stood the importance of this preparation meeting and even talked about the main goals of the next year. “I started with very positive thinking and good mood. The camp was very strong and contributed to why the presence of Michel and the Bay. Do not see this as something special preparation but certainly the year is very interesting and full of great events. I do not know how to configure my project to the Olympics which is the major goal however much we want and qualification for the team. I think it will mainly depend on our progress in the World Team Championship in Dortmund “said the owner of the Europe Top-12 title.
The reigning Mediterranean champion said:” I find myself quickly in good shape since October we have the European Championships and the first final with Turkey on the Standard Division of the European Nations League. The camp in Karpenisi helped me in this while after the premiere in the French league on September 12 I will take place one week to prepare the French national team. Also my personal goal is to win back some positions in the ranking list with the wish to help me in the draw for the Olympic tournament. ”
MARTINEZ and BAI were absolutely satisfied: “My impressions were very good. The competition level was very high and the conditions ideal. For me it was very important to do a good job early in the season because I come from an injury on my leg. I had to mend every day and tried to give my best. Gionis is my best friend in the sport and came Karpenisi because I have this very good relationship with him I’m here “said Michel MARTINEZ.
The Chinese origin BAI Fengtian told: “I trained in very good conditions in terms of both facilities and the weather that prevails in the city. Also I had the chance to play with all the Greek international athletes and found that they are generally very high level of racing. It was indeed very helpful to me this concentration preparation “.
President of the Greek Table Tennis Federation Manolis KOLYBADIS attended the sessions and stressed to the athletes: “The year began with an ideal preparation. Our big goal next season is the Olympic Games. We have the skills knowledge and experience to achieve something very important to London and to realize our dreams. “
(by John FAKAROS courtesy Hellenic TT Federation)
Photo: the participants to technical camp in Karpenisi
