Meet the Table Tennis Wales Players: Toby Harwood

One of Wales’ most promising young table tennis talents, Toby Harwood already has multiple titles at national level to his name.

The future looks bright for Toby and, after representing Wales at the European Youth Championships in Sweden this July, it’s exciting to see what comes.

His journey, however, has not gone without bumps. We caught up with Toby recently about his achievements, and about the challenges he has faced.

What are some of your most memorable victories and achievements?

“Having played in seven Welsh National Championships and having won four single national titles, there are lots to choose from.

“Two stand out for me, when in 2023 I won the Cadets national title. This one meant a lot as my best mate since an early age passed away around the time. I was able to take it home for him which meant a lot to me.

“But of course, the first national title in 2018 always sticks with you; I was nine years old and won the Welsh U11 nationals. It was especially special, being 8-4 down in the fifth set in the semi final and coming back to win!”

What advice would you give to young table tennis players aspiring to win titles and achieve success?

“For young players who seriously want to make it to the top level, you have to make sure you’re working hard every day, putting the effort in and not doing so much talking.

“I’ve noticed that the players who progress the most are the ones that don’t talk much in training. So, keep your head down with a smile on your face and work hard to be the best you can.”

Despite still being so young, Toby’s journey to where he is now hasn’t been plain-sailing.

What challenges have you had during your career so far?

“I was starting to fall out of love with the sport post-lockdown.

“I left the Welsh squad and stopped completely for numerous months. Then I started playing once a week one-on-one with my coach, then twice a week after around four months.

“I then went on to win nationals, and then represent Wales at the British Senior Schools. It all just aligned for me. Everything fell back into place.

“But the main reason I gained this spark in me was going to watch the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. It lit a huge spark in me. I wanted to be on that stage playing. That’s the dream. That’s what I’m working towards.

“I feel everyone needs to go and watch a live table tennis tournament to see how great the arenas are.”

How do you handle the pressure of representing your country on the international stage?

“Finding ways to handle the pressure on the international stage takes a lot of experience. Trial and error.

“There is always pressure when representing your country, but I try my best to enjoy the moment.

“Beforehand I’ll spend time with the team to relax and enjoy the moment. Then I take 10 minutes to myself to listen to music, warm up, and put myself in the right frame of mind. Sometimes I find this adds pressure, so I will go and talk to the team on the bench while listening to some music again to calm me down.”

What do you want to now kick on and achieve in table tennis?

“I would love to reach the 2026 Commonwealth Games, if not 2030. However, I’m working towards some big wins on the European and WTT stage within the next two years!”

Toby went on to thank those around him who have supported his career up to this point.

“As you get older you realise how much time and effort is put into helping you achieve your dream so I’m really grateful for all my friends, family and coaches past and present who have all had a big impact on my career.

“There have been some big roadblocks, but we got past them together.”

Asking him his favourite quote, Toby responded “keep being curious; you never where you may go.” Rather fitting, we thought.