One year ago today, South Paris Arena 4 witnessed one of the most emotional and inspiring comebacks in Paralympic history. Norway’s Tommy Urhaug, competing in his seventh Paralympic Games, claimed the Class 5 Men’s Singles gold medal – his first Paralympic title in 12 years and the first singles gold medal awarded at Paris 2024. The victory was a testament to perseverance, family inspiration, and the enduring power of Paralympic dreams.
Urhaug’s path back to Paralympic glory had been long and winding. His last taste of Paralympic success came at London 2012, where he claimed gold in what was then his only Paralympic final appearance. Before that, he had secured bronze at Beijing 2008, establishing himself as one of the sport’s elite competitors. But the years that followed – Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 – had passed without that ultimate prize.
Now, at his seventh Paralympic Games, many wondered if the Norwegian’s time at the pinnacle had passed. Urhaug himself harboured doubts. “I didn’t quite believe that I could do it again,” he reflected afterwards. “But I know I’m a good player and I’ve beaten all these players before. So there was a small, small chance, but I didn’t actually believe it.”
Urhaug’s path to the final showcased the form that had once made him Paralympic champion. In the semifinals, he faced Turkey’s Ali Ozturk, the bronze medallist from Tokyo 2020. Urhaug delivered a masterclass performance, defeating Ozturk in straight sets 3-0 to secure his place in the gold medal match.
The final against Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Ming Chih proved to be the battle of wills that everyone had anticipated. The match went the full distance, with both players pushing each other to their absolute limits. Intense rallies and stunning shots captivated the audience as the momentum swung back and forth.
In the end, it was Urhaug’s experience and determination that proved decisive. His 3-2 victory (5-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9) secured not just a gold medal, but validation of a career-long commitment to Paralympic excellence.
Perhaps the most touching aspect of Urhaug’s victory was the family story that accompanied it. His youngest daughter had been just one-and-a-half years old when he won in London 2012. She had missed Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, but was present in Paris to witness her father’s remarkable return to the top.
“She missed Rio and Tokyo, and now she’s back here and I won,” Urhaug said, his emotion evident. “She is my lucky charm, it’s something with her.”
The presence of his daughter transformed the victory from a personal achievement into a generational moment – a father showing his child that dreams can be realised, even after years of setbacks and disappointments.
Urhaug’s victory held additional significance as the first singles gold medal awarded at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. After days of doubles competition, his triumph marked the beginning of the individual competitions that would define the remainder of the Paralympic table tennis programme.
The Norwegian’s comeback story set the perfect tone for what would follow – reminding everyone that Paralympic competition rewards not just talent, but persistence, dedication, and the refusal to give up on dreams.
Looking back one year later, Tommy Urhaug’s gold medal represents something profound about Paralympic sport. At 37 years old, competing in his seventh Paralympic Games, he proved that age and experience can triumph over youth and expectation. His victory reminded everyone watching that Paralympic dreams don’t expire – they simply require patience, persistence, and sometimes a little bit of family magic.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” he had said, the gold medal around his neck and his daughter by his side. “It feels incredible to now have this gold medal around my neck.”
Para Table Tennis