Maxime Thomas
Maxime Thomas proudly represents the French para table tennis team, accumulating national and international titles and distinctions. Ranked in the world top 5 since 2007, his journey is marked by unfailing determination and an unwavering passion for his sport.
Embodying values of passion and excellence, Maxime is a source of inspiration for all and an outstanding ambassador for Cornilleau, with whom the relationship extends far beyond a simple partnership, as the player is regularly called upon to provide his expertise as a professional athlete on products designed for competition.
Born on 17/12/1983
Medalist at 4 Olympic Games
Best world ranking #1 in class 4 (from 2010 to 2012)
Achievements
2024
Participation in the Paris Olympic Games
2023
Silver medal in doubles at the European Team Championships
2022
Silver medal at the World Championships in singles
2021
Bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in singles
2017
Gold medal at the European Championships in singles and silver medal in the team event
2016
Bronze medal at the Rio Paralympic Games in singles
2014
Bronze medal at the Beijing World Championships in singles
2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2003
European Team Champion (Lignano Sabbadoro, Split, Genoa, Kranjska Gora, Zagreb)
2012
Bronze medal at the London Paralympic Games in the team event
2010
Gold medal at the World Championships in South Korea in the team event and bronze medal in singles
2008
Bronze medal at the Beijing Paralympic Games in the team event
Discover his video portrait:
What class do you compete in?
I compete in class 4, which is a category for people in wheelchairs.
I am currently world number 4; previously, I was world number 1 for 2 years from 2010 to 2012, and I have been in the world top 5 since 2007 without ever leaving it.
What type of player are you?
Above all, a player! I love to play, have fun, and enjoy myself. I have a very offensive temperament. I really like playing with spin and variations. You could say I have more of an attacking profile.
Your advice for performing in ping?
Above all, hard work. Permanent commitment, and also rigor in what you implement. And then you also need qualities of speed, ball feel, and technical-tactical skills. It is a very complete sport, so you also need to have good mental capacities and constantly respond to the duel you are presented with.
What does ping bring to you?
Thanks to ping, you develop a huge amount of resources, both in terms of the game and on a cognitive level, as well as coordination, body awareness, and mobility... in fact, it's an infinite playground!
What are your passions outside of ping?
The most important thing for me is to be with my family as much as possible. I'm away from home about 2 weeks a month, so I try to take one day a week when I'm there to look after my children, take them to activities, and share as much as possible.
As for hobbies, I love reading! So I read a lot of comic books and novels too.
I also do yoga almost every day. I love traveling, I love gastronomy...
One word to describe yourself?
I would say "player"! I play in all areas. For me, it's not really work.
It's a way of life, a state of mind that I cultivate.