Ma Long Becomes Most Decorated Olympic Table Tennis Athlete in History

Ma Long secured his place in history as the most decorated Olympic table tennis athlete by winning his sixth gold medal at the Paris Games, helping China clinch their fifth consecutive men's team event victory. This marks his conclusion in the Olympics, though he will continue competing.

Ma Long became the Chinese athlete with the most gold medals in the history of the Olympics when he helped China win the men's table tennis team final at the Paris Games on Friday.

China defeated Sweden for its fifth straight Olympic victory in the team event, and Ma secured his sixth gold, becoming the most decorated table tennis Olympian.

The 35-year-old Ma won at least one gold medal in every Summer Games since London 2012. "These past 12 years have been a journey filled with ups and downs, and I feel incredibly fortunate. I've played many different roles in each Olympics," he said. "After Tokyo I didn't expect to be here in Paris, but these three years have helped me grow mentally and technically. This gold medal is a great way to conclude my Olympic journey."

Ma is the only player with four gold medals in the team event, winning them in Paris, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and London. He also secured singles gold medals in Tokyo and Rio, though he did not participate in the singles tournament in Paris.

He announced that while this marks the end of his Olympic career, he is not retiring from competition entirely. "You might still see me on the international table tennis stage in the future," he added.

China, long a dominant force in table tennis, has so far swept four Olympic gold medals in Paris, winning in the men's and women's singles tournaments and the mixed doubles event. The women's team final is set for Saturday, where China will compete against Japan.

Since table tennis was added to the Olympic program at Seoul in 1988, China has won 36 out of 41 gold medals. In the men's team event, France won the bronze against Japan, marking its first medal in the category.

"It was incredible," said 17-year-old Frenchman Felix Lebrun. "It was a dream for all three of us to live it together after an incredible match. These were unforgettable emotions, and we will remember this for a long time. It is a magical moment, and we're delighted to share it with the team and the public."

(With inputs from agencies.)