SIMON GERADA TO DEPART TTA

After four years with the National Pathway Program (able-bodied), Simon Gerada has decided to step down from his current National Assistant Coach role.

During his tenure with TTA Simon held various roles including National Coach Performance Pathways in 2020/2021 and National Assistant Coach from 2022 until now.

Simon has been instrumental in the development of many next-generation national squad members who he helped transition through the different stages of the pathway to international competitiveness.

With his unwavering passion and enthusiasm, Simon led National Squad members by example towards a true High-Performance culture.

In Simon’s responsibility, TTA’s Daily Training Environment in Melbourne grew to a full-time professional training environment offering more than 30 hours of high-intensity training in a High-Performance environment free of charge to the National Squad members. Under Simon’s lead, the National Hopes Program matured from early trial events before Covid to the centrepiece of TTA’s talent ID program that it is today. This year’s program set new participation records with almost 240 talented kids participating across State & Territory and National level events.

Simon contributed to the following historic achievements:

• Australia’s best-ever World Ranking profile (currently 8 players in WR Top 100)
• Australia’s best-ever result at a World Youth Championships (1x silver, 1x bronze medal 2022)
• Australia’s best-ever performance at an Oceania Championships (28 Gold medals from 28 events in 2022)
• Australia’s best-ever performance at a Commonwealth Games (1x silver, 2x bronze medals in 2022)

‘Simon’s contribution to the program has been part and parcel for its success and its progress across many areas,’ commented National Program Manager Jens Lang. ‘His passion and the energy levels with which Simon delivers his work on a daily basis are unparalleled and inspire coaches, staff and players alike.’

“Simon lives and breathes table tennis and coaching 24/7 and goes above and beyond to help aspiring Australian Table Tennis players achieve success.

“We are sad to see him go and wish him the very best for his future endeavours.

Gerada reflected on his time with TTA, “It’s been an honour to be part of the program and to wear the green & gold. I would like to thank TTA for the support, the S&T’s, key stakeholders, and Athletes for all their trust and support. Most of all I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me over the last years. I can’t even imagine not being involved in the game, so I’m sure our journey will continue. But for now, I need some time to refresh, reload, take a deep breath, and explore the next chapter of my life.

Simon’s last day with TTA will be 15 September. Being the institution in the Australian Table Tennis community that Simon is, we hope and have no doubt that we will see him around.

Congratulations on your achievements and thank you for your ongoing contribution to Australian Table Tennis, Simon!