The end is near. - Timo Boll discusses his retirement plans.
Europe's record-breaking champion, Timo Boll (43), has decided to retire from international table tennis. He shared his feeling with "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," stating, "I've been putting off this decision for a while now and was even fearful of the day it would happen. However, I've realized that I've reached an age where it's affecting my level significantly, and that's making me unhappy. Eventually, you reach a point where you can't fight off the pain and your body anymore."
Despite retiring internationally, Boll aims to compete in the Olympic Games in Paris this summer (26 July - 11 August). This would be his seventh Olympic appearance. Post-Paris, his international career will end, but he'll still play one more season for his club, Borussia Düsseldorf.
Boll said, "I'm happy to honor my commitments to my club."
Since 2006, Timo Boll has been an integral part of Borussia Düsseldorf. Individually, he's won eight European Championships and 13 German Championships. His team achievements include two Olympic silver medals, two Olympic bronze medals, and five World Championship bronze medals. During his illustrious career, he also reached the world's top spot four times.
Boll expressed his gratitude for his career, adding, "But now it's time to move on. My career has left a lot behind, including my body, which no longer allows me to enjoy the daily grind of training and competitions."
For the last two years, Boll has battled shoulder issues. Before that, he faced injuries to his back, neck, and knee, which had already slowed him down. At one point, he couldn't even pick up a racket. Reflecting on his recent experiences, Boll said, "I've always had the talent to bounce back after setbacks and injuries, but with age, it became harder and harder. The past year wasn't enjoyable at all."
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Source: symclub.org
