BTN News: Spanish table tennis players Álvaro Robles and María Xiao are determined to secure Spain’s first Olympic medal in mixed doubles table tennis at the Paris Olympics. Despite also qualifying for the individual events, their primary focus is on mixed doubles, where they have already achieved a significant milestone by securing one of the 16 available spots.
Ranked sixth in the world and the highest non-Asian pair, Robles and Xiao will be seeded in the competition. A favorable draw and a strong performance in their initial match could see them advancing to the quarterfinals, putting them just one match away from the medal contention. Speaking to EFE before their departure to Paris, the duo expressed confidence in their chances.
“We are in a very good position. With a good draw and solid play from the start, winning a medal is a real possibility. The first match will be tough, but we have a chance to beat pairs ranked 8 to 16. From there, it’s about reaching the quarters and fighting for the semifinals. It’s quite possible,” said Robles, who hails from Huelva and has spent eight years in Germany to hone his skills and become a professional player.
Robles highlighted the challenge of coming from a country without a strong table tennis tradition. “We are breaking barriers. That has been our goal, both in mixed doubles and individually. Not having role models ahead of us makes it harder,” the Andalusian athlete remarked.
Striving for Success Against the Odds
Both players have shown remarkable progress, with Robles achieving a historic ranking of 33rd in the world in the individual category, a first for any Spanish player. His experience in Germany has been transformative. “Moving to Germany changed my career. I learned how professional table tennis works, gained valuable experience, and, with the support of the Spanish federation, managed to integrate all that knowledge,” he explained.
The journey to the Olympics has been a whirlwind of travel and competitions, leaving little time for training between tournaments. “Managing our training amidst the hectic schedule has been challenging. But we’ve done well, focusing on aspects beyond the table, like understanding each other and managing competition dynamics,” Robles noted.
The Dynamics of a Winning Partnership
Robles likens their partnership to a marriage, crediting their psychologist, physical trainer, and coach for their growth. “María is a great partner. Both of us have committed to this project, and that’s why we’re here. I’m grateful for her dedication, both personally and professionally,” he said.
Xiao, born in Calella, Barcelona, in 1994, echoed Robles’ sentiments, acknowledging the challenges and growth over the past three years. “Álvaro is very ambitious and hates losing. He’s a fighter, and I’ve become more ambitious because of him. We complement each other; I bring a bit of calm,” she shared.
Living in different countries—Robles in Germany and Xiao in Murcia—they maximize competition time to train together and refine their mixed doubles strategy. “Even when we’re apart, we work towards our common goal, constantly thinking about how to improve,” Xiao emphasized.
Eyeing Olympic Glory
Ranked 61st in the world, Xiao believes partnering with Robles has also enhanced her individual game. “My mindset has changed. He believes in himself a lot, and I’ve learned from that,” she said. Both athletes competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, an experience they described as a dream. Now, their goal is not just participation but winning a medal.
“Individually, I want to advance as far as possible, and in mixed doubles, I aim to win a medal for Spain,” Xiao stated. “It’s challenging, but I believe we have a good chance. The draw will be crucial, but our performance matters more. We have more pressure than three years ago, which is also motivating. Winning a medal would be surprising, as we’re not the favorites, but we have a real chance if we play exceptionally well and get a bit of luck,” she added.
Xiao, the daughter of two Chinese professional players, trains with her parents, whose advice she values greatly. “They’ve been through this and now pass their wisdom to me. They are my biggest support, both in sports and life,” she said.
Reflecting on her mother’s victory in the Copa de la Reina in 1994, when she was pregnant with Xiao, she humorously remarked, “My mother won with me inside her. I was playing even before I was born.” As the Spanish pair prepares for Paris, they look forward to challenging the dominance of Chinese players, who won four out of five possible golds in Tokyo 2020. “China is formidable,” Xiao concluded.
Conclusion
With dedication, mutual support, and strategic planning, Álvaro Robles and María Xiao are poised to make history for Spain in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Their journey underscores the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in sports. As they aim for a medal, their story inspires hope and ambition for future generations of Spanish table tennis players.
