After experiencing a period of destabilization due to the emergence of Félix and Alexis Lebrun, the French table tennis player has regained his balance and is now targeting a podium finish in the team competition.
It was a painful moment for him to have to pass the torch. After being established as the national number one in French table tennis for seven years, Simon Gauzy suddenly found himself challenged by two brothers who seemed to arrive from nowhere. Félix and Alexis Lebrun, as we are referring to them, shattered expectations by rising to the highest levels internationally faster than anyone anticipated. This included Gauzy himself, who stated before the Paris Games that he never imagined being dethroned in singles just two years prior: “To be completely honest, it was a shock for me initially because they emerged when I was at my weakest. They came at me like arrows, and I admit I didn’t see it coming. At the end of 2021, with less than three years until the Games in Paris, I was the clear French number 1. I honestly thought it was very unlikely that two players would surpass me. But that’s what happened… So, for a while, I struggled to handle their rise.”
However, once the initial shock wore off, Simon Gauzy took the time to reflect. “I thought it over and had to admit they were phenomenal, and there was nothing I could do about it. I just had to focus on doing my job to the best of my ability. I’m very proud that I came back to a very good level and was competitive until the end.” Indeed, while Félix Lebrun quickly secured his Olympic spot as a dominant member of the world top 5, the same could not be said for his older brother Alexis, who until the end of May felt the pressure from a resurgent Gauzy but ultimately lacked that little extra something to challenge the Lebrun siblings—perhaps a bit of luck as well.
No regrets about qualifying
“I wasn’t just a little unlucky with the draws; the first rounds were often very tough,” he reflects. “Looking back at the final stretch of qualifying, I messed up only once in six months. That was in Croatia, in Zagreb, against the Iranian player where I was leading two sets to zero and I foolishly lost my momentum. But even then, I was set to face the Japanese Harimoto in the next round, who was in great form, so that would have been difficult anyway. But that remains my only blunder. Once Alexis won that tournament in Slovenia, I accepted that it was over for me.” Consequently, he had to let go of his personal ambitions, but not of the Games, as he will play a pivotal role in the team competition, participating in both singles and doubles alongside Alexis Lebrun.
“It took me about ten days to process this,” he admits. “Afterward, I gained perspective thanks to the team competition, where we have a real chance of winning a medal. In singles, it would have been challenging for me to reach the podium. This year, I had eight great months, and I only stumbled at the very end, which means I have no regrets or bitterness about my performance throughout the year. Alexis performed exceptionally well toward the end, and I commend him for that.” His congratulations are particularly heartfelt as the two men share a strong bond and excelled together in doubles by winning the Zagreb tournament, before falling short in the final of the Ljubljana tournament.
Quite honestly, I watch it from time to time, just to make myself feel better.
Simon Gauzy
At 29 years old, the Toulouse player, who was ranked 8th in the world in 2017 and is currently ranked 29th, has discovered a sense of calm that has allowed him to elevate his game. “I believe that with age and maturity, I understand myself better. I’ve realized that when I enjoy myself, that’s when I perform best. However, having fun doesn’t mean being unserious; quite the opposite. Alexis and I share a similar style, while Félix differs greatly. If I’m not enjoying the game, it hinders me. Sometimes, all it takes is winning a spectacular point to boost my morale.” Like the one he achieved against Chinese Liang Jingkun last March, which went viral on social media. “That point is an unforgettable memory,” he confides, smiling. “Honestly, I revisit it occasionally to lift my spirits. Even today, I still wonder how I pulled it off.”
Smiling is also one of his keys to overcoming challenges, especially considering the tough moments in his career, particularly during the 2016 Games. “In Rio, I completely missed my first Olympic experience in terms of both results and performance. I learned then that participating in the Games could be a dream, but failing to perform well could quickly turn it into a nightmare. My disappointment matched the significance of the event, and it deeply affected me. Since discovering table tennis at the Games in 2004, I had dreamed of nothing else, and going through that experience made me question my path, leading me to think I might not be cut out for this.” Fortunately, he persevered, and Tokyo helped him reconcile with his Olympic aspirations. “That’s probably where I played the best of my life. The context was very unique; everyone was extremely well-prepared and fresh because, due to COVID, there were few competitions leading up to it. Managing to challenge the two best players in the world at the time (the Chinese Fan Zhendong and Ma Long) remains a significant source of pride for me.”
My dream is to win a big point in Paris and see the whole room go wild.
Simon Gauzy
Does he envision recreating such moments in Paris, especially since France could face China in the semi-finals? “I believe I still possess the ability to play at a Top 15 level in the world. It’s just that I’m much less consistent than I used to be. We’re not going to pretend that beating China is anything short of nearly impossible.” Even with the immense excitement expected at Arena Paris Sud? “I’m not the best player in the world, but I consider myself one who creates the most spectacular points. My dream is to win a significant point in Paris and see the entire arena erupt with excitement. I truly hope for that. For me, it’s more motivation than negative pressure. The French crowd is one of the most passionate, and while I may initially feel a bit paralyzed, the thrill of such support will quickly take over. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the Games at home, and as Thierry Rolland said, if we manage to win a medal, I will be able to die in peace afterwards.” But hopefully, that can wait for as long as possible.
Simon Gauzy’s Journey in French Table Tennis: Balancing Past and Future
The Rise of the Lebrun Brothers: A Challenging Shift for Gauzy
For over seven years, Simon Gauzy established himself as the leader of French table tennis, but the unexpected emergence of Félix and Alexis Lebrun presented a formidable challenge. The brothers quickly ascended to the pinnacle of international competition, catching Gauzy and many others off guard.
Reflecting on this seismic shift, Gauzy admitted, “It was a blow to me at the start because they emerged when I was at my weakest. They came like arrows, and I admit that I didn’t see it coming.” His initial shock gave way to acceptance as he recognized their talent and recalibrated his approach, focusing on his own performance.
Gauzy’s Adaptation and Resilience
As Félix secured his place among the world’s top five players, Gauzy was determined to regain his footing. He commented, “I thought about it and just admitted that they were amazing… I’m very proud that I came back to a very good level.” Despite their rise, Gauzy managed to maintain competitive spirit, establishing himself as a key player as he aimed for the podium in team competitions.
No Regrets: Embracing Team Dynamics
With qualification challenges behind him, Gauzy reflected on his approach. He described his qualifying journey and noted, “I wasn’t just a little unlucky with the draws… But that remains my only mistake.” His ability to adapt was a critical factor, realizing he could still contribute significantly to the national team alongside his brother Alexis, further fostering our bond.
The Importance of Team Spirit and Shared Goals
Despite personal setbacks, Gauzy sees the team competition as a new opportunity: “I have neither the regret nor the bitterness… We have a real chance of a medal.” Their impressive performance in doubles, which included a win at the Zagreb tournament, illustrates their synergy and potential for success.
“Quite honestly, I watch it from time to time, just to make myself feel better.”
Simon Gauzy: A Player with Perspective
At 29 years old, Gauzy’s current world ranking is 29th, down from a peak of 8th in 2017. He attributes his recent resurgence to a deeper understanding of himself. “I know that when I’m having fun, that’s when I play best.” He emphasizes the importance of enjoyment in enhancing performance, indicating a symmetry between skill and mental wellbeing.
Facing the Olympic Challenge: Lessons from Past Experiences
Recounting his disappointing experience at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Gauzy learned vital lessons about preparation and mental resilience. “In Rio, I had completely missed my first Games… it hurt me a lot.” This setback fueled his determination to perform at his best in Tokyo, where he felt he showcased his abilities against top-tier players.
“My dream is to win a big point in Paris and see the whole room go wild.”
Looking Ahead: The Paris 2024 Olympics
With the Paris 2024 Olympics fast approaching, Gauzy is optimistic yet realistic about the competition ahead. He stated, “I think I still have the ability to play at a Top 15 level in the world… beating China is almost impossible.” Yet he feels invigorated by the spirited support of the French public, viewing it as a positive motivation rather than pressure.
Personal Reflections on the Olympic Experience
Gauzy recognizes the unique situation of competing in one’s home country, expressing hope for the memories he will create, “It’s a unique opportunity to play the Games at home.” He remains focused on his objectives, dreaming of a podium finish that would mark a culmination of hard work and dedication.
Key Takeaways from Simon Gauzy’s Journey
- Adaptation and resilience: Embrace change and focus on personal development.
- Team spirit: Foster strong connections with teammates to enhance performance.
- Fun and enjoyment: Prioritize mental wellbeing to elevate competitive performance.
- Learning from experiences: Past disappointments are valuable lessons for future success.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Table Tennis Players
- Focus on mental resilience: Develop strategies to manage pressure and setbacks.
- Practice synergy with teammates: Engage in doubles and collaborative training for teamwork.
- Enjoy your training: Incorporate fun activities to maintain motivation and enjoyment in practice.
- Learn from experiences: Reflect on past performances to identify areas for growth.
