Austria is known for its world-class table tennis players, with some of the best players in the world hailing from this stunning European country.
From Olympic gold medalists to world champions, Austria has been home to some of the most talented table tennis players in the world. From Werner Schlager to Liu Jia, here is a list of some of Austria’s best table tennis players and their incredible accomplishments.
1. Robert Gardos
Robert Gardos is a highly accomplished table tennis player, having both Hungarian and Austrian origins. Born in Hungary, he is a European Champion and an Olympic participant.
He has been playing for the French club Chartres ASTT since 2011 and practices at the Werner Schlager Academy located in Schwechat, Austria. The Werner Schlager Academy is a renowned table tennis training facility that opened in 2011.
It has provided Robert with the perfect opportunity to hone his skills and become an even better player. He has been able to make use of the Academy’s facilities, programs, and coaches to improve his game and have access to some of the best table tennis players in the world.
In addition to the Werner Schlager Academy, Robert Gardos has also been a part of the French club Chartres ASTT since 2011. This club has given him the opportunity to play competitively and expand his skillset.
He has been able to gain the experience and knowledge he needs to achieve success on the international stage. Robert Gardos is a unique and talented player who has achieved great success in the world of table tennis.
He is a European Champion and Olympic participant who has been able to use his Hungarian and Austrian roots to fuel his passion for the sport.
He has also been able to take advantage of the Werner Schlager Academy and the French club Chartres ASTT to become the best player he can be.
2. Richard Bergmann
Richard Bergmann was an accomplished table tennis player who achieved international success. He had a long and impressive career, winning seven World Championships in total. Of those seven, four were in Singles, one in Men’s Doubles, and two in Team’s titles.
Additionally, he earned a total of 22 medals throughout his career. Bergmann’s success in the sport earned him a place among the greatest table tennis players of all time. He was a master of the game and his skill and technique were highly respected.
He was known for his ability to read the game and plan out his strategies to perfection. He was able to outsmart his opponents and capitalize on their weaknesses. Bergmann was also a pioneer in the sport, helping to shape the modern game of table tennis.
He helped to develop a more aggressive style of play, which has become the norm in the sport. He also helped to develop some of the techniques that are used today, such as the chopping and blocking shots.
Overall, Richard Bergmann was a remarkable athlete who achieved great success in the world of table tennis. His seven World Championships and 22 medals are a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. He will be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
3. Daniel Habesohn
Daniel Habesohn is an Austrian table tennis player who has competed in the Summer Olympics in both 2016 and 2020.
He is a skilled and determined competitor, proven by the fact that he was able to pull off an upset against Japanese player and number 15 seed Kenta Matsudaira at the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships.
However, despite his impressive performance, Habesohn was unable to take the win and was eventually defeated by the number 33 seed, Lin Gaoyuan.
Despite this loss, Habesohn has proven himself to be a capable and determined athlete, and his performance at the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships is a testament to this.
He may not have won the championship, but his ability to pull off such an upset against a much higher-ranked opponent is a remarkable feat.
4. Werner Schlager
Werner Schlager is an accomplished table tennis player who achieved worldwide recognition when he won the world championship title in 2003. Born in Vienna, Austria, Schlager has been playing table tennis since a very young age.
He began competing in tournaments at the age of 10, and quickly developed into a formidable player.
He was the runner-up at the European Championships in 1997 and 2000 and won the Austrian Championships five times. At the 2003 World Championships in Paris, France, Schlager defeated Wang Liqin of China to become the World Champion.
This was a major achievement for Schlager, as he became the first Austrian to win the title.
He won the Austrian Sportsman of the Year award in 2003 and was a member of the Austrian team that won the World Team Cup in 2004. Schlager is still active in the table tennis circuit, competing in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour and other tournaments.
He has also been coaching a number of up-and-coming players, helping them develop their skills. He is considered to be one of the all-time greats of table tennis and an inspiring figure for young players.
5. Stanisław Frączyk
Stanisław Frączyk is an incredible athlete who has had an impressive career in para table tennis. He is a retired Austrian-Polish player who has achieved remarkable success in the sport.
Frączyk is a triple Paralympic champion, having won three gold medals at the Paralympic Games. He is also a triple World champion, having been crowned champion on three separate occasions.
In addition, he is an eleven-time European champion and three-time Polish national champion. This demonstrates just how successful Frączyk has been in para table tennis, making him one of the most remarkable athletes in the sport.
6. Alfred Liebster
Alfred Peter Liebster was a renowned international table tennis player from Austria. He was born in Vienna, where he began playing table tennis at a young age. He quickly developed a passion for the sport and soon rose to the top of the Austrian table tennis ranks.
Liebster was known for his fast and aggressive style of play which earned him the nickname “The Austrian Flash”. He was also recognized for his ability to return shots that were thought to be impossible.
Liebster was a part of the Austrian National Table Tennis team for many years, representing his country in various international tournaments.
He was a medalist in the European Championships and the World Team Championships, proving himself to be one of the best table tennis players of his time. Liebster was also a top player in team play, known for his excellent leadership and motivational skills.
After retiring from competitive play, Liebster continued to be involved in the table tennis community. He became a coach and mentor to many young players, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
Liebster was also a part of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) where he was responsible for organizing international tournaments and promoting the game. Alfred Peter Liebster was a true table tennis legend who left a lasting impact on the sport.
His dedication to the game and passion for teaching others are an inspiration to all aspiring table tennis players. He was an important figure in the world of table tennis and will always be remembered for his achievements on and off the court.
7. Paul Flussmann
Paul Flussmann was an Austrian table tennis player with a passion for the sport. He was known for his impressive skills in the game and his ability to compete at the international level. He had an impressive career, with numerous national and international titles to his name.
He was a member of the Austrian Table Tennis Association and competed in several international tournaments. At the Olympics, he won a bronze medal in the doubles tournament. He also won several national titles and was a regular in the Austrian Open.
He was a respected and well-liked player in the table tennis community. He was known for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to pushing himself and his teammates to their limits.
He was an inspiration to many younger players and was admired by his peers for his commitment to the game.
8. Munio Pillinger
Munio Pillinger was a prominent figure in the world of table tennis. He was an Austrian international table tennis player and was widely respected for his skill and technique. Pillinger’s career spanned several decades, and he competed in many international competitions.
He was especially known for his backhand, which was considered one of the best among top players. Pillinger was a member of the Austrian National Table Tennis Team and represented his country in many international tournaments.
He was also a member of the International Table Tennis Federation and helped to promote the sport around the world. Pillinger was an inspiration to many young players, and his legacy as a great player and ambassador for table tennis will live on for years to come.
9. Erwin Kohn
Erwin Kohn was an Austrian athlete who excelled in the sport of table tennis. He was a prominent figure in the international table tennis community, representing Austria in international competitions. Kohn was renowned for his skill and precision on the table tennis court.
He was known for his speed and agility, as well as his ability to read his opponents’ shots and tailor his own accordingly. Kohn was passionate about table tennis and dedicated himself to honing his skills. He trained rigorously to perfect his technique and tactics.
Kohn was a coach and mentor to many young players, sharing his knowledge and expertise with them. He had a deep respect for the sport, and he was a great ambassador for table tennis in Austria.
Kohn was a well-respected international table tennis player who achieved a great deal in his career. He was a great example of what hard work and dedication can bring about. His passion for the game and his commitment to excellence will never be forgotten.
10. Andreas Vevera
Andreas Vevera is an inspirational athlete who has achieved great success in the sport of table tennis. He is a former Austrian para table tennis player who won a gold medal in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.
Representing Austria, he competed in the men’s individual class 1 category. Throughout his career, Andreas has become known for his dedication and commitment to the sport. He has been praised for his hard work and determination to always give his best, no matter the challenge.
His motto is “Give every day your best,” which is a reminder to always strive for excellence in whatever you do. Andreas Vevera is an inspiring athlete who has shown what can be accomplished when you put your mind to something and work hard for it.
He has achieved greatness in the sport of table tennis and is an example of how dedication and hard work can pay off.
11. Qian Qianli
Qian Qianli is a professional table tennis player who was born in China but represented Austria in the Summer Olympics of 1996.
He was one of the most successful Chinese-born players of the 1990s, and his success was due to his dedication and hard work. Qian Qianli began playing table tennis at a young age and eventually earned a spot on the Austrian national team in 1996.
He was the first Chinese-born player to ever represent another country in the Olympic Games.
During his time in the Olympics, Qianli did very well, reaching the third round in the singles and winning a bronze medal in the doubles. Qianli’s success in the Olympics made him one of the most famous Chinese-born table tennis players of all time.
He continued to compete in international tournaments and won several medals, including a gold medal in the World Table Tennis Championships.
He also became one of the most successful coaches in the sport, training several successful players over the years. Qian Qianli’s legacy is still remembered today.
He is a symbol of dedication and hard work, and his success has inspired many aspiring table tennis players around the world.
12. Otto Eckl
Otto Eckl was an Austrian international table tennis player who achieved great success in his career. He won a bronze medal at the 1947 World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup, which is the team event of the competition.
This was a remarkable accomplishment for him and his team. He then followed up with another bronze medal at the 1948 World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup, cementing his place in table tennis history.
This success was a testament to his skill and determination as a table tennis player. He was an important figure in Austrian table tennis and his success will be remembered for a long time.
13. Hans Ruep
Hans Ruep is a former Austrian para table tennis player who had a successful career competing at international level events. He was a passionate and determined athlete who was dedicated to the sport.
He began playing table tennis at an early age and quickly developed a successful competitive career. Ruep was born in Austria and started playing table tennis at the age of 12. His passion for the sport soon became apparent and he started competing at regional tournaments.
He eventually earned his way onto the Austrian national para table tennis team and began competing at international level events.
He competed in the Paralympic Games and various World Championships, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport. Throughout his career, Ruep proved to be an incredibly talented para-table tennis player.
He was known for his powerful serves and his ability to control the ball. He was also a highly strategic player, often outsmarting his opponents with his clever tactics.
His expertise in the sport was widely respected and admired. Ruep retired in 2018 after a successful career in para table tennis. He achieved numerous accolades, including a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in London.
He will always be remembered as an incredibly talented and passionate athlete who dedicated his life to the sport.
14. Ferry Weiss
Ferry Weiss was an internationally renowned Austrian table tennis player.
He was one of the most successful table tennis players in Austria, having achieved a number of awards and accolades throughout his career. Born in Vienna, Austria, Ferry Weiss was a passionate sportsman from a young age and eventually found himself focusing on table tennis as his primary sport.
He began competing in tournaments and gradually rose in the ranks to become one of the top players in the country. He was a member of the Austrian national table tennis team and competed in a number of international tournaments throughout his career.
He was a consistent performer at the European Table Tennis Championships, winning a bronze medal in the singles event in 1985 and a silver medal in the doubles event in 1986. Ferry Weiss was a highly respected player by his peers and was well-known for his strategy and technique.
He was also a great motivator and mentor for younger players and regularly gave advice to the new generation of players who were just starting out. Ferry Weiss’ legacy as a table tennis player will always be remembered. He was a great player and a great contributor to the sport.
His achievements and influence will continue to live on for generations.
15. Herbert Wunsch
Herbert Wunsch was an Austrian table tennis player who achieved international success in the sport. He was most notably recognized for his accomplishments at the 1948 World Table Tennis Championships, where he won two bronze medals.
In the men’s team event, Wunsch and his Austrian teammates placed third for the bronze medal. Wunsch also won a bronze medal in the men’s doubles event, paired with Heinrich Bednar.
This feat made Wunsch one of the first Austrian international table tennis players to win medals at a major international competition. His accomplishments were an inspiration for other Austrian table tennis players to strive for success in the field.
To this day, Wunsch is remembered as a pioneer in Austrian table tennis.
16. Karl Jindrak
Karl Jindrak is a well-known Austrian table tennis player. He achieved great success in his sport, competing in three Olympic Games. Jindrak first participated in the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia.
Despite his impressive skills, he failed to make it into the final tournament. However, he returned to the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia and managed to make it into the quarterfinals.
His success continued in 2004 when he went to the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. There he was able to make it into the semi-finals, showing that he was a true contender in the table tennis world.
Overall, Karl Jindrak is a talented athlete who has achieved much success in his career.
17. Helmut Goebel
Helmut Goebel was an Austrian table tennis player who achieved remarkable success in the international arena. He was a part of the Austrian team that won gold at the 1936 World Table Tennis Championships, making him a world champion.
The following year, he and his partner Richard Bergmann added to their impressive resume when they won a silver medal in the men’s doubles at the 1937 World Table Tennis Championships. This accomplishment solidified their place among the world’s top table tennis players.
Goebel’s talent and determination earned him great respect and admiration from the world of international table tennis. He was an inspiration and a role model to many aspiring athletes who wanted to follow in his footsteps.
18. Eduard Freudenheim
Eduard Freudenheim was a passionate table tennis player from Austria. He was a highly accomplished athlete and competed in international competitions throughout his career.
Freudenheim was born in Vienna, Austria in the early 1900s and was known for his skill and dedication to the sport. He was a member of the Austrian National Table Tennis Team and competed in tournaments in Europe and Asia.
Freudenheim was known for his quick reflexes and agility and was considered one of the top players in the world. He was also respected for his sportsmanship and passion for the sport.
Freudenheim’s career spanned many years and he won numerous medals and awards throughout his time competing. He was inducted into the Austrian Table Tennis Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding achievements.
Freudenheim’s legacy lives on through the generations of table tennis players who have been inspired by his skill and dedication to the sport.
19. Amelie Solja
Amelie Solja is an Austrian table tennis player who was born in Kandel, Germany. She was part of the women’s team that represented Austria at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Amelie’s sister, Petrissa Solja, also competed in the Olympics, but at the 2016 Olympic Games for Germany. Petrissa was very successful, taking home the silver medal.
This shows the Solja sisters’ dedication to their sport, as they both worked hard to achieve success in international competitions. The Solja family have shown that hard work and dedication can lead to great success in the world of table tennis.
20. Liu Jia
Liu Jia is an international athlete who has achieved great success in the sport of table tennis. Born in China, she moved to Austria and began to compete professionally in the sport. She is a left-handed player, which is a rare attribute in the sport.
Left-handed players have to use a different technique and timing than right-handed players, which can give them an advantage in certain situations. Throughout her career, Liu Jia has won multiple medals at various international tournaments.
She has been a consistent presence on the international table tennis scene for over a decade.
She has participated in the World Championships, World Cup, and several other tournaments, where she has consistently performed at a high level. In addition to her international success, Liu Jia has also been a major force in the Austrian table tennis scene.
She has won many Austrian championships and has helped to raise the profile of the sport in her adopted home country. Liu Jia is an inspiring figure in the world of table tennis.
She has achieved success despite her unique playing style and has helped to bring attention to the sport in Austria. Her success both on and off the court is a testament to her determination and hard work.
21. Stefan Fegerl
Stefan Fegerl is an Austrian table tennis player who has competed in two Olympic Games. In 2016, he represented Austria in the men’s singles event, where he was eliminated in the third round by Koki Niwa. He was also part of the Austrian team in the men’s team event.
In 2021, he competed again in the 2020 Olympics, aiming to improve on his previous performance.
Despite facing difficult competition from some of the world’s best players, Fegerl has proved himself to be a formidable athlete, able to compete at the highest level of international play.
His dedication and hard work have earned him respect from his peers and fans alike, and he is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
22. Karoline Mischek
Karoline Mischek is a professional table tennis player from Austria. She has been playing this sport for many years and has achieved a high level of success. Her highest career ITTF ranking was 108, which is an impressive accomplishment.
Table tennis is a fast-paced sport that requires a lot of skill, strategy, and physical stamina. It is played on a rectangular table with two players using small bats to hit a lightweight ball back and forth.
The objective of the game is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent is unable to return it. Karoline Mischek has been honing her table tennis skills for many years, and her hard work has paid off. Her highest career ITTF ranking was 108, which is an impressive feat.
She has competed in many tournaments and events over the years and has received numerous awards and accolades for her achievements. Karoline Mischek is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work.
Her success in table tennis is a testament to her commitment to excellence, and she is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
23. Ding Yi
Ding Yi is a Chinese-born table tennis player who is renowned internationally for his success in the Olympic Games. Born in China, Ding Yi has represented Austria in the 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympics.
During these Olympic Games, Ding Yi achieved impressive results, showcasing his incredible skill and talent in the sport of table tennis. He has managed to leave a lasting impression on the sport and has been an inspiration for many aspiring table tennis players.
Ding Yi’s journey to success began in China, where he first developed his skills in the sport. He quickly rose to prominence and was soon representing Austria in the Olympic Games. At the 1988 Olympics, he achieved great success, making it to the quarterfinals.
He continued his success in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, with impressive results in both.
In the 2000 Olympics, Ding Yi made it to the semi-finals, where he put up a great fight, but unfortunately was beaten by the eventual gold medalist. Despite not winning a medal in the Olympic Games, Ding Yi has had a successful career in table tennis.
He has managed to inspire many aspiring table tennis players and has left a lasting impression on the sport. His hard work and dedication have been an inspiration to many, and it is clear that he will be remembered for years to come.
24. Li Qiangbing
Li Qiangbing is a female table tennis player who was born in China but now represents Austria. She is a highly accomplished athlete who has competed in multiple international competitions, most notably the 2008 Summer Olympics.
At the Olympics, she was able to reach the fourth round of the singles competition, which is a great accomplishment. Additionally, she also competed in the team competition, further demonstrating her prowess in the sport.
This incredible achievement is a testament to Li Qiangbing’s dedication and hard work, both in the sport and in her studies. She is an inspiration to her peers and to other athletes around the world.
25. Rudolf Hajek
Rudolf Hajek is an incredible athlete from Austria who is well-known for his success in para-table tennis. He was part of the Austrian team at the Summer Paralympics on four different occasions, in 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2004.
During his Paralympic career, he won an impressive three gold medals and one silver medal. His success at the Paralympics is a testament to his dedication and skill as a para table tennis player.
He is a true inspiration to those who follow his career and serves as a reminder that hard work and tenacity can lead to great accomplishments.
26. Robert Thum
Robert Thum is a name that will forever be remembered in the annals of table tennis history. He was a male former table tennis player from Austria.
His career in the sport spanned more than 25 years, during which time he won numerous titles and accolades. Thum began his impressive career in the late 1980s, competing in various tournaments throughout Europe.
He quickly established himself as one of the top players in the continent, reaching the quarterfinals in several major events. He was also a consistent winner of the Austrian table tennis championships. Thum’s success on the court was not only limited to Europe, however.
In 1992, he earned a silver medal at the World Table Tennis Championships in Japan, where he was the first Austrian player to reach the finals.
He also competed in the Olympic Games in 1996. Thum retired from professional table tennis in 2002, but his influence in the sport still resonates today. He is widely respected for his dedication to the sport and for his unwavering commitment to excellence.
He is regarded as one of the greatest table tennis players of all time.
Conclusion
The best table tennis players in Austria are highly competitive and skilled. This is demonstrated by the fact that players from Austria have won multiple world championships, as well as European championships and other international tournaments.
Furthermore, Austrian players have consistently been ranked among the world’s top ten table tennis players. While the competition for the top spot is fierce, there is no doubt that Austria is home to some of the best table tennis players in the world.
