Feng Tianwei: Singapore's Ping Pong Prodigy

One of Singapore's most famous and decorated athletes, Feng Tianwei, is a legend in the world of table tennis. Having won several championships and medals, including two Olympic bronze medals for women's singles and team events at the 2012 London Games, she has continued to perform and inspire countless Singaporeans.

From humble beginnings

Born in China's Heilongjiang province, Feng began playing table tennis at the age of five. At 13, she won the Chinese National Junior Championships, further going on to win the Asian Junior Championships in 2003.
Her decision to move to Singapore in 2007 sparked a great deal of controversy, as she was already a star player in China. However, Feng maintained that she made the move for personal and professional reasons, and she quickly established herself as an integral member of the Singaporean team.

A decade of dominance

Feng quickly made an impact on the international stage, helping Singapore to win their first-ever Asian team title in 2010. She also won the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Team Championships, and was ranked as the world No. 1 for four years.
Feng's success was due in part to her aggressive playing style and her ability to control the pace of the game. She was also known for her mental toughness, often winning matches from behind.

Retirement and legacy

Feng Tianwei retired as a player in 2022 having won 15 international titles and 27 medals, including 5 Olympic and 7 Asian Championships. However, she remains a role model for many young Singaporeans.
The Singaporean government honored her with a Star Award in 2010, given to outstanding Singaporeans. She was also appointed as Second Vice-President of the Singapore Table Tennis Association in the same year.
Feng's legacy is sure to inspire future generations of Singaporeans. Her story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.