Darius Knight Interview
We interviewed Darius to find out more his sport of table tennis and what it takes to get to the top.
Q. What is it that first attracted you to your sport?
It was the one sport that I couldn't master the moment I picked up the bat. It was fashionable for the big boys to play it at this place called Adventure Playground, but I didn't have a clue how to play. It was that curiosity that made me try my best to be good at it.
Q. What has been your biggest achievement to date and what are your key objectives in the run up to getting to the Beijing Olympics?
Youth Olympics Under 18 Doubles Gold, Under 21 National Champion and Under 18 European Team Gold sum up the three main spheres of Table Tennis competition for me. I achieved these three awards this season. My main aim is to get through the qualifiers for the Olympics which will be held in France next year (2008).
Q. How often do you train, and what does an average training day consist of for you?
Minimum five days a week. A basic day is from 9.30 to 12.30 and then 3.00 to 6.30. In the afternoon we do physical training as well as basic training.
Q. What does your sport require most to be successful? e.g. speed, strength, stamina, concentration, team work etc.
When a crowd watches Table Tennis at an exhibition or on the big screen, they gasp at the speed of the ball but not many realise that to achieve this level of Table Tennis, it requires all of the aspects. It needs speed of course, but also strength and stamina. Consistency is definitely important but in modern Table Tennis, emphasis is being placed on concentration. Focusing on the spin and direction of the ball, and never taking your eye off it is crucial in the higher echelons of the game.
Q. What preparations do you make just before a competition? Any superstitions or routines you go through to be mentally prepared?
I change my rubbers regularly, so it is typical that I'll receive a fresh batch from my sponsor before a major competition. I normally take it out of the packet and weigh it so I know how it will be like. Small changes, even ounces, can change the feel and reaction of the rubber when playing. I look in my Table Tennis book which has my own notes about how to play well or I watch Table Tennis videos. If I know who my opponent will be, I'll try and watch them play for their strengths and weaknesses.
Q. We'd like to encourage children in our communities to take up sport - do you have a top tip for aspiring champions?
If you want to be champion, you have to sacrifice everything. You have to be prepared to work hard, and give your best at all times, even when it gets tough. That's when results start to come.
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