World number 1 in the doubles table tennis category, Belgian table tennis player Ben Ashok Despineux will be taking part in his second Paralympic Games in 2024 in Paris. We met him in his preparations just a few weeks before D-Day, full of enthusiasm and determined to give it his all in a bid to win a medal at the single tournament!
With just a few weeks to go to the start of the Games, what are the final stages of your preparations? How are you feeling?
There are several training camps planned before the start of the competition, in Belgium and also in Romania next week. In any case, we can prepare as much as we can, but the most important thing is to be mentally ready for the 30 minutes of games on the day. It was a big battle to qualify, I was qualified in sporting terms but because of certain internal rules I had to fight with the help of the Belgian committee to take part. Despite the fact that I'm world number one in table tennis in the doubles category, I'll only be taking part in the single tournament in class TT7.
What's certain is that I'll be giving all my heart and energy at these tournaments, even if I'm not necessarily the favourite in this category, but you have to believe in it, you never know!
Where do you usually train?
I train close to home in Eupen, Belgium, on the border with Germany.
The whole Belgium team will be staying in the same place in Paris during the Games. Are you looking forward to meeting up with all the Belgian athletes and experiencing the excitement with them?
The last time I took part in the Olympic Games was 12 years ago, so I think the athletes have changed a lot since then and obviously it won't be the same. But it's always great to see other sports and meet other athletes you don't see every day.
You already took part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. How do you feel about representing Belgian table tennis on the international stage again?
I'm very happy and proud to be taking part in the Games again for the sporting aspect of what it represents, but you have to realise that as a paralympic athlete it's very difficult to get funding and find sponsors. You do it for the passion above all!
Even after 12 years, I'm going to try to give it my all, because over the years I've gained more experience and that can be an advantage. It's clearly a sporting event not to be missed, and every athlete dreams of taking part in the Olympic Games and winning a medal.
How do you see your competition for these Games? Which competitor do you think will be the most formidable?
The number one favourite is Britain's Will Bayley, who won gold at the 2016 Summer Paralympics and was world champion in 2014. But anything is possible, you just have to believe in it and not put too much pressure on yourself because an athlete is the favourite, as we saw at this Euro 2024 football tournament, you can't be too scared in front of the great players or the great nations, it's not enough to be the favourite to win!
The Paralympic table tennis events will be held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. How do you feel about performing in this venue, in France, in a country close to your own?
It's great to be able to experience the Olympic Games for a second time. I haven't really thought about the venue and all the logistics yet; I was thinking more about the qualifications of course. But I think the Parc Expo can hold 6,500 people, so the atmosphere will be really special. You have to manage the stress and the pressure, but the sport remains the same, so I'll be concentrating and trying to give it my best shot!
How are your friends and family coping with this new qualification for the Olympic Games? Are they planning to come and support you in Paris?
My family are very happy and so are my friends. They've been waiting for me to qualify so they can get their tickets, so they're going to try and make themselves available on 2 and 3 September to attend this extraordinary event.
You're also a poker player. Do you think that one day this discipline will make its way to the Games? Have you ever taken part in any poker competitions in France?
Yes, I play it from time to time, but for me it's nothing like top-level sport. Physical ability doesn't come into it, it's more about leisure and strategy, but I've already been to France and Paris to take part in tournaments, and it was great!
What towns have you already visited in France? What's your favourite destination and your favourite French dish?
I've been to France a few times, I remember Biarritz in 2010 but I don't really know France well enough to pick a favourite destination. I've also been to Nantes for table tennis competitions.
If I had to choose a favourite French dish, I'd say the indisputable baguette of course!
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
