Meet the Table Tennis Wales Players: Lara Whitton
It would have been impossible for seven-year-old Lara Whitton, stepping foot inside Penlan TTC for the first time, to imagine the heights she’d reach in her table tennis career.
An attacking player inspired by the times watching and supporting Liu Shiwen with her mother, Lara has developed into a fiercely strong player and has represented Wales on huge stages.
An attacker at the table, with Tenergy 05 rubbers on both sides and the Butterfly Viscaria blade, Lara has already achieved a lot in her career and has no intention of stopping soon. We spoke to her about her experiences so far and what may come next.
Where did the inspiration come from to play table tennis?
“My mum and my grandad both had strong histories in, and connections with, table tennis.
“When I was seven, my mum took me to Penlan Table Tennis Club where I first picked up a bat. I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and progressed to the Regional Squad where my mum was head coach.
“I remember my parents taking me to competitions across England and Wales allowing me to compete against the best of the UK. We had early morning starts and overnight sleep overs to Burton and Plymouth, where I spent a lot of my weekends in training camps and competing in the 2- and 3-star competitions. I had such quality time with my mum travelling, we tried to make it fun!
“I then progressed to National Squad training in Sophia Gardens and the Cardiff runs after school began. My first Welsh selection was at the age of 10 competing in the British Primary Schools Championships in Jersey.”
What have been your personal heights in your table tennis career so far?
“The most memorable has to be my selection and competing in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. The Commonwealth Games had always been my inspiration. I had no idea what to expect and the build-up for the event was magical.
“We achieved so much and bonded so well as a team. Being part of Team Wales was a fantastic feeling. It’s impossible to put into words how much being there with the team and playing my first match felt; it was such an honour to step onto the court wearing my Welsh kit with my immediate family, cousins and friends all watching.
“II will never forget how proud I felt and to win matches with Anna and Chloe meant the world to me. As a Welsh speaker, I did interviews for BBC Wales which made me very proud, as well!”
How do you handle the pressure of representing Wales, especially at events like that?
“It comes with experience. When I think of my first time representing Wales to having represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games, there have been many ups and downs. It’s always a roller coaster and as I’ve gotten older that’s what I’ve grown to love about the sport.
“I try to focus and relax and not overthink things. If I know my competitors, I look back to previous matches. If not, then I try and play my game and focus on bringing my best parts to the table. I always need at least five minutes before a game to myself, alone with my thoughts, so I can leave any negativity outside.”
As Lara explains, the life of a sportsperson comes with its challenges, as well as those high points.
Could you tell us about a challenging moment you’ve faced as a player? And how have you come past the challenge to succeed?
“A challenging moment was in my last European Youth Championships playing against England.
“The match overall had reached 2-2 and the deciding match was down to me. Before going onto the court, I felt a bit of pressure with the home nations rivalry against England; it was also my last European Youth Championships, so I wanted to make it one to remember.
“I overcame the challenge of a deciding game and won. I remember Stephen Jenkins keeping me in control and calm in my corner. We had a photo after the game and it’s so special to look back on.
“I also travel across Europe independently and there have been many delayed trains and flight cancellations. I remember being stranded overnight in Dusseldorf Airport for eight hours with no accommodation offered and having to wait hours for the morning flight. Moments like that and the feeling of finally landing home have made me stronger as a person.”
What does everyday life, apart from the cancelled flights, look like for you as an international table tennis player for Wales?
“Now in my third year in Leicester University studying physiotherapy, my schedule is ever evolving.
“I have maintained a good balance of fitness, training and matches during my time here. A typical day in Uni includes my lectures in the morning, gym session in the afternoon, before training in the evening.
“I have also made connections in the local Knighton Table Tennis Club, travelling to Grantham and Draycott which I am so grateful for. I also travel quarterly to Austria to play in the league there for Badener AC!”
What advice would you pass on for aspiring players that look up to you?
“Have a goal set in your mind and work towards that every day.
“My goal since I started table tennis was always the Commonwealth Games. I had pinpointed the 2022 games and whenever I was away competing or making small sacrifices, in the back of my mind was ‘I will get there one day’.”
Having got there three years ago, Lara is now looking ahead to future opportunities, and has no desire to settle for what she has already achieved.
What do you still want to achieve in your table tennis career?
“I’ll never give up.
“Experiencing the Commonwealth Games in 2022 has encouraged me to continue playing and to develop my senior game. I hope I have a Commonwealth opportunity again.
“I will continue to compete in the UK and Europe, and plan to continue to be part of the Welsh team. No matter where you are in the world there’s something so special about playing for Wales, putting on that shirt.”