Interview with Croatia’s Zoran Primorac
The Perennial Olympian
 Zoran
Primorac is one of twenty direct qualifiers for the table
tennis event at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Beijing.
The thirty-eight year old Croat is a living legend not only
in his country but also all over the world.
Two decades ago, in 1988, table tennis made its debut at
the Seoul Olympics where nineteen year old Zoran Primorac,
representing the former Yugoslavia, won the silver medal in
the Men’s Doubles event with Ilija Lupulesku.
It is the only Olympic medal won by Primorac, who in his
illustrious career, has twice won the World Cup, owns a silver
medal from the World Championships and is the keeper of a
host of medals gained at tournaments on the ITTF Pro Tour
and in Europe.
Following the publication of the January 2008 ITTF World
Rankings, Primorac was among the top twenty and therefore
received direct qualification for Beijing. It means that he
will compete for the sixth consecutive time at an Olympic
Games.
In table tennis he is the perennial Olympian.
Marius Widmer: Congratulations Mr. Primorac,
you just qualified for the sixth time in a row for the Olympic
Games.
Zoran Primorac: Thank you very much!
What is important to be on top during such a long
time?
I think it is most important that you stay focused and give
one hundred percent to your sport.
Why have you (and also top players like Waldner,
Persson, Saive and Rosskopf) been able to remain at the top
so long and others not?
It is our motivation and passion, together with our talent
it gives us an opportunity to enjoy well earned rewards towards
the end of our careers.
Where do you find the motivation for training after
already many successes?
I love to compete, to prove to myself that I am still able
to beat the best. Also I think that you can improve even if
you are in the sunset of your career.
What has changed most during the last twenty years
in table tennis?
The speed and the physical abilities of the players; table
tennis has become so fast and the players are taking the ball
much earlier than before.
What have you changed or improved the most in your
game?
I think my backhand and service return has improved the most.
I’m still improving, I’m making some changes for
Beijing, but this is top secret! (Primorac smiles)
You have been consistent in the Men’s Singles
event at the Olympic Games (three times round of the last
sixteen, twice round of the last thirty-two). Do you see any
signs for Beijing that this could change?
It would be very optimistic to expect a medal but this Olympics
I can really enjoy. Playing without any pressure, I will enjoy
every single moment of that and if I have a good day I can
beat anyone.
What is special about Olympic Games?
It is really a special feeling, playing for your country knowing
that the whole nation is behind you. Table tennis is not major
sport but at the Olympics I feel that we are all equal. Playing
at the Olympics in China means for every single table tennis
player that a dream has come true!
What are your goals after Beijing?
I will continue to play for some more years. After,
I will stay in the table tennis “business” and
will try to help table tennis as a sport to gain a respect
in the world that it deserves.
Thank you and good luck!
It was my pleasure, one hundred per cent!
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"Source:
ITTF Press Release