Jian Fang Lay to Make Olympic History at Sixth Olympic Games

Table tennis player Jian Fang Lay has been selected by the Australian Olympic Committee to an historic sixth Australian Olympic Team, replacing Stephanie Sang who has withdrawn from the team.

Debuting in Sydney 2000, the 48-year-old will join Equestrian’s Mary Hanna, who was announced to the Team for Tokyo on 25 June, as Australia’s first women to compete at six Olympic Games for Australia.

Born in China before moving to Australia in 1994, Fang Lay is one of Australia’s all-time table tennis greats, 13 international competition medals including seven Commonwealth Games medals, 24 Oceania titles and 30 national titles titles across decades of international excellence.

Fang Lay will compete in the Women’s Teams and Singles events, joining Michelle Bromley, Melissa Tapper, Chris Yan, David Powell and Heming Hu to complete the six-strong table tennis team for Tokyo.

Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo Ian Chesterman said Jian’s dedication to excellence is an inspiration.

“What a fantastic Olympic milestone to announce Jian to her sixth Olympic Games,” Mr Chesterman said. “To make one Olympics is a special achievement. To stay at the top of your game for decades to make six Olympics is a truly rare feat.

“Congratulations to Jian on reaching this next chapter in your Olympic career and to your family, coaches, supporters, friends and teammates who will no doubt be cheering you on in Tokyo from back home.”

Fang Lay was ecstatic to be part of Australian Olympic history in Tokyo.

"I am very excited for Tokyo, I am so proud of what I've achieved,” Fang Lay said. “It's unbelievable!”

“I never would’ve imagined that I’d be the first woman to represent Australia at six Olympics. I hope this will inspire more girls to play table tennis. As long as you have a dream, anything is possible."  

"I need to thank my family – husband and two boys – my friends – Warren and Jane – that support me and keep me going. Without their support, without their strength, it would’ve been impossible for me to continue playing table tennis."

"My goal in Tokyo is to do the best I can and get the best result for Australia. Anything is possible. I will fight for one point at a time."

Table Tennis Australia CEO Scott Houston congratulated Jian on reaching an incredible milestone.

“Jian is one of the best Australian table tennis players of all time and she is an Australian sporting treasure,” Houston said. “To maintain her standard on the international stage for more than 20 years is phenomenal.”

“Representing Australia at six Olympic Games is an outstanding achievement and no doubt she will perform strongly once again. Special mention also to Jian’s family for their tremendous support, without their help Jian’s longevity would not be possible.”

The Table Tennis competition will run from 24 July through 6 August.