An Olympic powerhouse in other areas, the USA is more of a minnow when it comes to table tennis. That doesn't mean that their players aren't hungry for gold! The USA has four ping-pong representatives in Beijing - these being Gao Jun, Wang Chen, and Crystal Huang in the Women's Teams and Individual events, and David Zhuang in the male Individual events.
1. David Zhuang
Photo © 2007 Gerry Chua
The sole male USA table tennis representative in Beijing, David is a member of the USATT Hall of Fame and a two time Olympian already, and will be 45 years old during the competition!
2. Gao Jun
Photo © 2007 Gerry Chua
Gao Jun of the USA won an Olympic silver medal for China way back in 1992 in the Women's Doubles, with partner Chen Zihe. She has since represented the USA at two Olympics (2000 and 2004), and will be looking to add to her medal collection in Beijing.
3. Wang Chen
Photo © 2007 Gerry Chua
Like her compatriot Gao Jun, Wang Chen is an ex-Chinese national player who now competes for the USA. She will make her Olympic debut in Beijing, after twice narrowly missing the Olympics as the fourth best player in China.
4. Crystal Huang
Photo © 2007 Gerry Chua
Crystal Huang made the USA Olympic team by qualifying in first position at the North American Olympic trials, beating Canadians Chris Xu and Zhang Mo and USA rival Jackie Lee. This will be her first Olympic Games.
