Table Tennis Legend Don Parker Celebrates Incredible 10 Olympic Appearances
As the curtain falls on the 2024 Paris Olympics, one man has cemented his place in table tennis history, gracing the commentary box at a remarkable 10 consecutive Olympic Games. Don Parker, a well-known figure among English table tennis fans, has been a constant presence at the Games since the sport’s introduction in Seoul back in 1988.
Parker’s journey began in South Korea, where he not only led and coached the British team but was later recruited by legendary BBC commentator Tony Gubba to provide expert analysis on the broadcasts. This partnership continued through the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, with Parker’s insights proving invaluable in covering the Men’s Singles final between France’s Gatien and Sweden’s Waldner.
“The first rule is that the commentary must be non-biased, because the commentary could go out anywhere they speak English,” Parker explains, highlighting the importance of impartiality in his work.
Over the years, Parker’s role has evolved, as he has extended his run with the BBC and more recently worked with the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), which provides live coverage for broadcasters worldwide.
The table tennis veteran has witnessed firsthand the changing landscape of the sport, including the ease of access to player information and the impressive advancements in broadcast technology. “The technology there is unbelievable, the number of screens – the people who do the production are very clever,” he says, describing the set-up at the International Broadcast Centre in Paris.
While Parker’s primary role has been to provide expert analysis, he has also had the privilege of working alongside a diverse team of commentators, including 2004 Paralympic table tennis champion Mateja Pintar and the American “voice of WTT,” Adam Bobrow.
As the sport continues to evolve, with players from all corners of the world making their mark, Parker is excited about the future of table tennis. “It was great to see two European men on the podium and for the second Games running, we had athletes from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas in the quarter-finals, so I think it’s good for table tennis that we’ve got players coming through from all corners of the world,” he observes.
With his unparalleled experience and dedication, Don Parker’s 10 Olympic appearances are a testament to his lasting impact on the sport he loves. As table tennis enthusiasts around the world tune in to the commentary, they can count on Parker’s expertise and passion to enhance their viewing experience.
🔗 Source
