Slovakian Legend Jan Riapos Secures Historic 6th Paralympic Gold in Table Tennis Doubles

Slovakian table tennis veteran Jan Riapos has added yet another Paralympic gold medal to his illustrious collection. Teaming up with Paralympic debutant Peter Lovas, the duo dominated the Class 4 Men’s Doubles event, securing a 3-1 victory over Korea’s Hang Yeongjin and Park Sung Joo.

Record-Breaking Achievement

Riapos, a true legend in the world of Para table tennis, has now become the only player to have won Paralympic gold in Team, Singles, and Doubles events, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. This latest triumph marks his sixth Paralympic gold, solidifying his place as the only Para table tennis athlete to have clinched such prestigious accolades across three different decades.

“I feel incredible, I can’t describe how I feel. This is my first Paralympic Games and we won the gold medal, so it is absolutely amazing, and I feel great,” expressed the elated Peter Lovas, who made his Paralympic debut alongside the seasoned Riapos.

Strategic Collaboration

The Slovakian duo’s victory was a testament to their strategic planning and meticulous preparation. As Riapos explained:

“The doubles is a totally different game than the singles. I am probably the first player that has a gold from Singles, Teams, and Doubles. This is a great achievement for me.”

Riapos praised the collaborative effort that led to their triumph, highlighting the importance of his experience and Lovas’s willingness to learn.

“We spent a lot of time preparing for this. We played a lot together, and I tried to hand over to Peter everything I know. This seemed to be a good tactic, as it showed in the quarter and semifinals. My experience was invaluable, especially in these heavy and long matches.”

Passion for Paralympic Sports

Beyond his personal achievements, Riapos’s true passion lies in the growth and development of Paralympic sports.

“I am a sportsman, but my heart and soul are dedicated to developing opportunities for handicapped people in Slovakia. These Games in Paris have been perfect. Now I see that the Paralympic movement is evolving from amateur to more professional,” he expressed.

Both Lovas and Riapos will be back in action in the Class 2 Men’s Singles, starting on Sunday, September 1st.

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