Thomas Schmidberger, born on October 23, 1991, in Zwiesel, Germany, is a testament to the power of human resilience and the indomitable spirit of an athlete. At the tender age of five, Schmidberger’s life took a dramatic turn when an accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. However, this early setback did not dampen his spirits or his passion for sports. Instead, it became the catalyst for an extraordinary journey in the world of para table tennis.
Rising Above Adversity
Despite the challenges posed by his paralysis, Schmidberger found his calling in table tennis. Competing in the TT 3 paralympic class, he quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. His journey in the sport began with the TSV/RSG Plattling club before he moved to the prestigious Borussia Düsseldorf, known for its strong table tennis program.
A Medal-Studded Career
Schmidberger’s competitive career has been nothing short of stellar. His first major international success came in 2010 when he clinched a silver medal at the World Championships. This early triumph was a sign of the great achievements to come. The following year, at the European Championships, Schmidberger secured a bronze in the singles event and a gold in the team competition. His Paralympic debut in London 2012 was equally impressive, earning him a bronze in singles and a silver in the team event. In a touching moment that highlighted his status within the German Paralympic team, Schmidberger was chosen as the flag bearer for the closing ceremony.
His success continued unabated. In 2013, Schmidberger dominated the European Championships, winning gold in both singles and team events. The Rio 2016 Paralympics saw him add two more silver medals to his collection, in singles and team events. He repeated this feat at the 2018 World Championships with another silver in singles.
The crowning achievement of his career so far came in 2019 when Schmidberger became the European Champion in both singles and team events. This outstanding performance led to him being named the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) “Para Player of the Year.” Most recently, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (held in 2021), Schmidberger once again proved his mettle by securing a silver medal after a hard-fought final against the world number one, Panfeng Feng.
Schmidberger’s exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, he was voted Germany’s Disabled Athlete of the Year, a testament to his impact both on and off the table tennis court. His Olympic medals in 2012 and 2016 were also recognized with the Silver Laurel Leaf, one of the highest sports awards in Germany.
Thomas Schmidberger: Inspiration Beyond Sport
Thomas Schmidberger’s journey is more than just a story of sporting success. It’s a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity, refusing to be defined by limitations, and achieving excellence through sheer determination and hard work. From a five-year-old boy facing a life-altering accident to becoming one of the world’s best para table tennis players, Schmidberger’s life serves as an inspiration to many.
His success demonstrates that physical disabilities need not be barriers to achieving one’s dreams. Through his performances and his positive attitude, Schmidberger continues to challenge perceptions about disability sports and inspire both able-bodied and disabled individuals to pursue their passions relentlessly.
Photo Von Gaël Marziou from Grenoble, France – IMG_8133_DxO, CC BY 2.0,
