Our second Table Tennis player interview is with England international Liam Pitchford.
Liam is currently playing in both Germany, you may of seen him on the BBC earlier in the year competing in the Commonwealth games.
This article includes Shouts from the Stands new feature team mates, so you the fans can find the ins and outs of the national side.
The answers are completely as given by the players and not changed by me at all so you get the natural feel of listening to the players thoughts.
Full Name; Liam Benjamin Pitchford
Date Of Birth; 12/07/1993
Place Of Birth; Chesterfield
Height; 178cm
Club(s): FC Tegernheim (Germany)
GETTING TO KNOW Liam Pitchford
Most famous person on your mobile?
No one really, probably Gavin Evans haha.
what’s guaranteed to make you mad?
Losing at any type of game especially Call Of Duty.
Your favourite hobby outside of Table Tennis?
That’s a tough one but I spend a lot of time on the Playstation so it would have to be that.
Best place you’ve ever been too?
Hong Kong or Colombia.
Favourite television programs?
Family Guy or Misfits.
Who was/Is your favourite Sportsman?
Lance Armstrong because of his determination and dedication.
Best film ever?
What song would you sing on Stars in their eyes?
The Beatles – Let it Be.
What’s your signature dish?
I don’t really cook the best I do is heat up some pasta.
Favourite drink?
Rubicon Passion fruit.
Do you have any other talents?
There’s too many to think of haha!
Career questions
You have had some highs in your short career so far, what was the best moment?
My win against Gao Ning at the commonwealths was a nice feeling but just being able to step on the podium was probably the best moment.
What was the lowest moment?
Losing in the semis of singles at the cadet Europeans in Terni.
Do you feel pride that at such a young age you have a silver medal in both the commonwealth games and the English national championships or disappointment that is was only silver and not gold?
Obviously it was disappointing but I looked a lot at my game after nationals and had time to work on it and at the commonwealths I think I was a different player, I was a little disappointed after the team final but when we were on the podium it just felt amazing.
It was always clear that you had a talent for table tennis, but you seemed to have a rapid rise to become one of the best seniors in the country, how did that happen?
I work hard and always believe in myself.
As you have been so dedicated to table tennis do you ever feel you missed out on a social life or growing up like a “normal” kid?
I had quite a normal life until I was 16 because I was still in full time education so it was not too bad but now I am used to not having a lot of social time because of full time Table Tennis.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career?
Colin Deaton was a great help and his wife Sandra still is, unfortunately he couldn’t be here to see me in the England senior team, he will be greatly missed. I also have my parents to thank for all the travelling they put in, in my early career playing 4 stars.
You have had the massive victory with Gao Ning live on BBC, do you find yourself getting recognised by people now?
When I am at home I get recognized sometimes but not anywhere outside of chesterfield as of yet.
How do you cope with more people recognising you, and having a new found popularity?
It’s nice to be recognised but I am not that big yet so im still fully focused on improving.
Where do you see yourself in say, four years time?
I see myself still playing at a high level and I am aiming to keep moving up the world rankings and possibly ill be inside the top 50 by then.
Whilst on the topic of the future, let’s move forward 15 years time. Do you still wish to be involved in Table Tennis or do you see yourself in a different career?
I would hope to see myself still involved in table tennis.
If you still see yourself involved in Table Tennis what do you see yourself doing?
I would only be 32 so hopefully i could still be playing to a high level, if not i would like to go to coaching.
Team Mates (you can include the girls or just anyone at sheffield Darius said Rumgay for some answers etc)
Who is the biggest moaner?
Darius haha he can moan about everything
The hard man of the group?
Gavin Evans or so he thinks
Who’s the quickest?
On the table possibly me and in sprinting Paul Drinkhall
Most talented?
Paul Drinkhall he’s very sporty.
The joker/ funny man?
Gavin Rumgay with his funny banter.
Most intelligent?
Danny reed academically, me on sport knowledge.
Worst taste in music?
Gavin Evans and Chris Doran.
Worst dress sense?
Chris Doran with his jeans and asics trainers.
Worst dancer?
Chris Doran just stands there like a tree.
Best and worse nicknames? Spidda (David Mcbeath) and Sheepy (Gavin Evans) are my favourites.
Who do you share with in hotels abroad?
it depends who is playing, when im playing in junior tournaments normally Gavin Evans.
Do they have any annoying habits?
He rocks his head side to side when going to sleep quite loudly which can get irritating.
Who’s longest in the shower?
Thank you Liam and i wish you the best of luck in the future.
If you missed my previous interview with Darius Knight click here:http://shoutsfromthestands.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/table-tennis-player-interview-team-mates-darius-knight/
For more table tennis news visit: www.tabletennisdaily.co.uk
Good Stuff, Who’s up next?
who do the fans want to see?
I like this interview!
Thanks Tony
Can we please get an interview with Will Bayley.He is a true star in the making, he shows grit, determination and talent day in day out. He represents GB and GB Table Tennis as whole with humility and passion. He would be a great interview and an inspiration to many kids who play table tennis or are looking to take up table tennis. Despite his disabilities he continues to be a success in everything does and i personally deel that guys like him can become true role models for the next generation which is what we need. I’m not saying that guys like Drinkhall, Knight and Pitchford are not inspirational but guys like Will show everyone that through sheer endeavour you can overcome the most dificult of circumstances. Also i believe as many others do that paralympic sport does not get enough coverage and you guys doing something with Will must raise awareness. PLEASE TRY AND GET HIM FOR AN INTERVIEW.
Kind Regards.
Rajan Waterman
I do not know Will personally but i have a few friends that do. I will try and see what he says but its a good suggestion i will do my best.
Thank you