Liu Song, the maximum reference of table tennis in the history of Argentine sport, was distinguished with the badge “Oly,” a recognition granted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Association of Olympic Athletes (WOA) too those who left a mark with their delivery, effort, and values within the Olympic movement. The distinction was delivered by the Argentine Olympic Committee (COA) at its official headquarters.
“I feel very excited and proud. I know that I am part of Argentina,” song said during the meeting headed by the general secretary of the COA, Víctor Sergio Groupierre, who highlighted the impact that the former player had on the history of national sport.
The ceremony also was attended by former leaders, coaches, and ancient members of the Argentine Table Tennis Federation (FATM).
Currently based in France, where he manages a restaurant, Liu Song arrived in the country with his son Liu Félix and did not hide his emotion for returning to buenos Aires, where he built an unforgettable life and career.
“When I arrived, I didn’t speak Spanish and I didn’t know anyone. But sport helped me feel one more Argentine. After 20 years, I already consider myself Argentine,” he said after publishing COA.
During his visit, the former sportsman toured the Argentine Olympic Museum with Martín Rodríguez, its responsible party, and donated an autographic palette that will be exhibited as part of his legacy. “Today I am retired, but I keep looking at games and play with my son. I will always be part of this sport,” added the champion.
Liu Song participated in four Olympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, beijing 2008, and London 2012) and four Pan American Games, achieving medals in all of them. His most remembered consecration was in Guadalajara 2011, when at 39 he won the individual gold medal, wich awarded direct classification to London 2012, in one of the most emotional moments of Argentine sport.
He also whent up to the podium in three South American Games, being South American champion in buenos Aires 2006 and Santiago 2014. In total, he reaped more than a dozen international medals throughout his career.His legacy, inside and outside the table, is an inseparable part of argentine Olympic history.
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