Proposal

A notable person is somebody worthy of attention or notice. In this case Ma Long is very notable. Who is Ma Long? Why is he notable? What changes and differences did he make to the sport? Allow me to answer. 

 

Early Life 

Ma Long born 20th October 1988, Anshan China is a professional table tennis athlete that is commonly known as the G.O.A.T or the Dictator. As a young child at 4 years old Ma's parents started to send Ma to table tennis training every day for 3-4 hours a day. They hoped that this would keep their child fit and healthy while also letting him socialize with other children. In an interview Ma stated that during this time he did not 'play table tennis because he enjoyed It' but rather because he just listened to whatever his parents said. It was after around 4 years of training when he was 8 years old that Ma started to enjoy the sport more. So he started practicing more. He has said that he would rather watch or do any sports than participate in schooling. Because of this Ma started to watch more table tennis where he idolized and looked up to Chinese players Kong Linghui and Liu Gouliang as they 'fought' for the honor of their country, China. He hoped that one day he could do the same. During his primary school years Ma would meet his Wife. He met Xia in school. Although at a young age Ma won many tournaments he stated that his father would not congratulate him or tell him he did well but instead criticize where he lacked strength. 

 

Troubles 

During 2009, 2011, 2013 world championships Ma would lose to his older, more experienced teammate Wang Hao. This would often discourage him and made him contemplate quitting professional table tennis. 

Ma's success 

2015 proved to be Ma's big year! He set the ball rolling with a win in the Kuwait Open defeating his longtime friend Xu Xin 4-1. After he won the German open stopping reigning Olympic champion Zhang Jike. 

Soon after he won the China open event once again overcoming Xu Xin 4-1. Ma's very long anticipated win of the world championships came in 2015. Defeating rising Chinese star Fang Bo in a thrilling match 4-2 in a moment of excitement Ma jumps on the table and celebrates his long awaited victory. The long line of dominoes didn't stop there however, in the same year he would be the world tour grand final champion. If you think Ma Long received all his names from 1 year of greatness think again! Ma Long is commonly called these names: The GOAT, The Dictator, The Dragon and The Captain from years of achievements and wins. In 2016 Ma was no less motivated than the year before. Even after 2015 and 2016 the rest of the years of his career until now have all been very successful. 

 

Ma Long off the table. 

Even off the table and not in front of a camera Ma is portrait as a charitable and humble kind figure. In 2017 Ma became an ambassador for a children's care project. Ma Long supports this charity with his own money and you can too! This charity is focused on getting table tennis equipment to children in rural China!