Once again, simply Ma-gnificent

Of all Team China's table tennis stars in Tokyo, Ma Long undoubtedly shone brightest.

The veteran became the first player to claim back-to-back Olympic men's singles titles, as well as the first man to complete two Grand Slams-the treble of Olympic, world championship and World Cup titles in one year.

He collected his first gold in Tokyo by outclassing world No 1 teammate Fan Zhendong 4-2 in the final on July 30. Last Friday, "Captain Long" doubled his tally in the Japanese capital by helping the Chinese squad to a 3-0 triumph over Germany in the men's team final.

"After five years, I once again experienced the excitement of the Olympics. I want to thank my teammates Xu Xin and Fan Zhendong. In each match, we tried our best to perform to our absolute peak level," the 32-year-old wrote on Weibo after winning team gold.

"Olympic golds are medals of honor and the result of the joint efforts of my coaches, doctors and support teams. You can always trust the Chinese table tennis team. For me, as long as I still have the love and passion for the sport, any age is a golden age for me. For the love of the sport, I will never stop fighting. Victory belongs to Team China."

Ma was already a giant of the sport prior to the Tokyo Games, first completing the sport's Grand Slam in 2016. However, the past five years have not been easy for Ma.

He underwent a serious knee operation in 2019, and during his long recovery period even shaved off his hair, saying he hoped to "start everything from zero".

Ma initially struggled upon his return to the table, and at one point it appeared he was being overtaken by Fan, who defeated the veteran in several major tournaments last year.

In Tokyo, however, Ma proved he still has what it takes to stand on the highest podium.

"This is what we call perfect. Ma Long has not only achieved his goal, he has completed what many people have only dreamed of before," said Chinese Table Tennis Association president Liu Guoliang. "He never disappoints us. He is a role model and a national treasure. The qualities he possesses go way beyond gold medals and good results."

Fan had been many observers' favorite for singles gold in Tokyo, however the 24-year-old top seed was left frustrated in his efforts to dethrone legendary compatriot Ma.

"Everyone had very high expectations of Fan Zhendong, and he also has high expectations of himself. So the pressure is extremely high for him," said Liu.

"But being able to help his team win gold showed that he overcame this pressure. If he had failed to do so, it would be difficult for him to be the leader of the Chinese men's team in the future."