McDonnell celebrates a glittering international career

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and Paralympian Andrea McDonnell has today announced her intention to step down from elite competition.

A much-loved member of the National Team since 2013, McDonnell has made a significant contribution to the sport, winning a total of nine international medals and six National titles in Para events over a period of seven years. 

McDonnell said the decision to move away from elite competition was not taken lightly, but she felt it was time to see a new guard of Australian athletes rise up the ranks of the sport. 

“It was a really hard decision to withdraw from the National Squad (Para) but I had been thinking long and hard for several weeks prior,” McDonnell said.

“I felt I had achieved so much for a woman from a little country town with no table tennis club and really wanted to finish my international career on a high. 

“Although I knew it was the right decision to step down and make way for younger players, I certainly had a few tears just thinking about the possibility of not seeing all my amazing teammates again.”

Humble as always, McDonnell said success to her was never based on the number of medals or titles, but her contribution to the team.  

“Medals and titles are certainly great and every athlete loves to win but just knowing I may have helped someone along my journey or even inspired another Para-athlete to do their best and never give up is so much more rewarding.”

Table tennis has always played a big role in McDonnell’s life but she could never have predicted the heights she would reach after a workplace accident in 1999.

“Once I attended my first Para tournament at the Oceania Titles in Canberra and met the team and coaches, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to be classified so I could join the team,” she said.

Of all the highlights, McDonnell says the moments that will stay firm in her memories are wearing the Australian Team colours at the Rio Paralympic Games and winning bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“There are so many highlights and every time I put on the Aussie tracksuit and represent Australia along with my teammates, gave me such a buzz.

“Competing in the Rio Paralympics in 2016 and the Commonwealth Games in 2018 were my greatest accomplishments, but walking out at the Opening Ceremonies in that Aussie tracksuit gave me goose bumps and such a sense of pride.”

TTA Chief Executive Scott Houston thanked McDonell for the contribution she has made to Para-table tennis in Australia.

“I’d like to congratulate Andrea on a stellar international career and thank her for her outstanding contribution to the National Team,” he said.

“She has been an integral part of the continued rise of our Para Program and a key reason why our National Team is highly regarded and well respected on the international stage. No doubt Andrea will be missed by her teammates and coaches, but her contribution will be fondly remembered. 

“It’s great to see Andrea won’t be lost to the sport entirely and I look forward to seeing her continue her journey through the National Championships and local Queensland tournaments”.

Echoing Houston’s comments, TTA National Program Manager (Para) Sue Stevenson said:

“Andrea has led by example on and off the court with her positive attitude and never-quit motto, which has led her to represent her country at the Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and the World Para Championships.

“Despite her stepping down from competition, Andrea will always remain part of our team and we’re thrilled to hear she’ll still compete at the 2021 National Para Championships.”

McDonnell’s Para Record:

International

• Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – Bronze, C6-10 singles
• Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
• 2018 World Para Table Tennis Championships
• ITTF Oceania Para Championships; 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019
• 2019 Japan Open – Gold, C8-10 Teams
• Para Table Tennis Open, Thailand – Silver in C9-10 (2015), Bronze in C9-10 (2014), Bronze in C10 (2016), Bronze in Teams C6-10 (2014), Bronze in C9-10 (2017)
• 2016 Slovakia Open – Silver in C8-10 teams
• 2016 Slovenian Open – Bronze in C10 Teams

National titles:

• 2015 – 2017 Australian Women’s Doubles Champion – C6-10
• 2014 Australian Women’s Singles Champion – C6-10
• 2014 & 2016 Australian Mixed Doubles Champion – C6-10
• 2015 Australian Para Teams Champion  - C8-10