David Powell Calls Time on Decorated Career

David Powell has called time on his decorated playing career. After enjoying considerable success as a junior, Powell made the step to become entrenched as part of the senior National Team for more than a decade. First representing Australia at senior level at the 2009 Commonwealth Championships as National Team #63, the 31-year-old went on to represent Australia at two Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games, eight World Championships, six World Cups, three Commonwealth Championships, four ITTF-Oceania Championships and seven ITTF-Oceania Cups.

Throughout his career, Powell amassed 12 national titles and 10 Oceania titles, most notably winning the Men’s Singles at the ITTF-Oceania Cup in 2016 and 2017.

Upon making the announcement, Powell reflected, “Whilst I look back fondly on what I have achieved since first representing Australia, no doubt competing for Australia at two Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games have been my career highlights. I’m proud of the fact I have had the opportunity to represent Australia at many events including World Championships, World Cups, Pro Tours and also to play professionally in Europe.

“I’m also particularly proud that I had the ability to stay at the top level in Australia for the past six years, whilst I’ve worked full time as a secondary school teacher. This has been incredibly difficult as work has been a huge commitment and has demanded a significant amount of time.

“Reflecting on my over two decades in the sport has reminded me of the many people I owe my sincere gratitude and thanks too. Very little could have been achieved without the support of my family, my club, my sponsors, my coaches, my teammates, TTV, TTA, and all those who have helped me on my journey. I hope I have made at least a small contribution and impact to the sport in this country and of course I will continue to advocate for it.”

TTA CEO Scott Houston paid tribute to Powell, “David has been a great contributor to Australian table tennis and the National Team for a long time. TTA are thankful for his service and I am pleased that David has been able to go out on his own terms.

“One of the best things I have seen in my tenure as TTA CEO was David winning the Australian Qualification Tournament for the Tokyo Olympics at Croydon. Croydon has been David’s home club since he started as an eight year old and for him to win that event in front of his family, friends and club mates to qualify for his second Olympics was a special occasion.

“I wish David well for his future and hope that it involves table tennis in some capacity.”

National Head Coach (Able-Bodied) John Murphy was equally complimentary of Powell, commenting “David has been a valued and trusted National Team member, especially as a senior player in my time as Head Coach. He has set high standards for a long time and he can rightfully be proud of everything that he has achieved. I hope that he can look back fondly on his career in the green and gold and remember not only the great wins and big matches, but also the journey that he took to get there. David will always be an Australian Representative and will always be welcome around the National Team in the future.”

Congratulations David on your stellar career.