TOP OF THE TABLE

BONTEHEUWEL meisie Tamika van As is a genuine golden girl, after winning an incredible five gold medals at the South African National Table Tennis Championships.

The super-talented 12-year-old competed in the week-long tournament in Durban, from 4 to 12 October, and completely dominated. 

She won gold in all titles of the singles U/15 girls event, singles U/13 girls event, doubles U/13 girls, U/13 mix doubles and U/13 girls team.

And her proud dad and coach Graham says that she’s only been playing since she was nine years old. 

Tamika dreamed of being a figure skater but after the rinks closed due to Covid-19, her dad bought a table tennis table to keep her busy at home and discovered that she was amazing.

Graham told the Daily Voice: “The ice rink was closed and so she didn’t have anything to do and I brought the table tennis table at home and she started playing. In the first year she has been playing she achieved a lot.”

Graham, who is also her coach, has been training others in the sport for many years after his father introduced him to the sport. 

And now it’s a family affair, with Graham taking his daughter under his wing, going on to earn her SA colours and representing the country in Tunisia.

Graham added: “As Tamika’s father and coach, I honestly couldn’t be prouder of everything she’s achieved and the young woman she’s growing into. 

“Watching her shine in table tennis, despite the many challenges we’ve faced along the way, has been nothing short of inspiring. 

“There was a time when financial constraints made it very difficult to keep her involved in both sports, and deciding between ice skating and table tennis was an incredibly tough call.

“Looking back now, I can truly say that table tennis has been such a blessing in her life. 

“The sport has opened so many doors for her - it’s given her the chance to travel to numerous countries, experience different cultures, and compete at an international level.

“As a father and coach, I couldn’t ask for more - Tamika continues to make us proud every single day, and I know this is only the beginning of an incredible journey.”