Table Tennis Pioneer: Patrick Birocheau’s Incredible Journey
Birocheau’s Historic China Tour
In 1973, at just 18 years old, Patrick Birocheau embarked on a historic tour of China with the French team, becoming one of the first Westerners to compete in the communist country during the Cold War era.
“I was terrified,” Birocheau recalls. “I faced the world No. 2 in my first match, and my first five serves didn’t even touch the table. I was looking for the exit, but my top spin eventually saved me, and I won against the 1972 China champion.”
FROM JDOLPHIN TO COACH
After a successful playing career, Birocheau transitioned to coaching. His most memorable coaching moment came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics:
“Two years before Sydney, I paired Jean-Philippe Gatien and Patrick Chila. It was a risky move, but they won the bronze medal. It was one of my proudest moments.”
LEBRUN BROTHERS: THE NEXT GENERATION
Birocheau believes that the current French table tennis scene is in excellent hands. He praises the Lebrun brothers:
“With the Lebrun brothers, French table tennis is experiencing an incredible alignment of the planets. They are high-class players, and their contrasting playing styles make them a powerful force on the international stage.”
LA ROCHELLE, HIS “CITY OF HEART”
La Rochelle holds a special place in Birocheau’s heart. He shares his connection to the city:
“La Rochelle is where I discovered table tennis, and I’m always drawn back to the city. It’s my ‘city of heart’ – it’s where I feel at home and have a perfect living environment.”
FAQ
What’s Birocheau’s most memorable playing moment?
Batok’s most memorable playing moment was winning against the 1972 China champion in Beijing.
What’s Birocheau’s proudest coaching achievement?
Birocheau is most proud of coaching Jean-Philippe Gatien and Patrick Chila to a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Did you know?
In China, the Lebrun brothers are nicknamed the “Glasses Brothers,” and in the United States, they are called the “Lebrun James.”
Pro Tip
Want to improve your game? Birocheau recommends focusing on developing your address and technique – just like the Lebrun brothers did.
Call to Action
Share your favorite Birocheau memory in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more sports stories on 247sports.news!