September 30, 2008
Olympian Makes a Smashing Impression
 USA's David Zhuang |
Courtesy of: |
At 45, he has said he's past his prime, yet he was an overhand-smashing example of the benefits of staying active. First to take him on from the Village Grande Ping Pong Club was Ron Cohen, cheered on by his fans.
"Go easy on him, Ron!" they said.
Zhuang tossed the ball high, setting expectations for a spectacular serve. "Watch it, I put extra spin on it," Zhuang said, just before the ball bobbled right into the net. No good. Zhuang's face contorted in mock horror. Zhuang isn't just an athlete, he is also a pretty good comedian.
Zhuang demonstrated his skills against the stars of Village Grande. He even volleyed a bit with Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh, who tried to beg off.
"I haven't played in 30 years," the mayor said, before taking his place at the table.
The event was orchestrated by club co-president Paul Pitluk to re-energize the table tennis club now that the New Jersey Senior Olympics are over.
Pitluk said he knew Zhuang lives in West Windsor with his coach and wife, Joannie Fu, and their children. He said he thought inviting the mayor and creating an event would call attention to the health benefits of physical activity.
Joel Muroff, Pitluk's friend and a retired dietician, endorsed the plan. "I like to encourage an activity that is about calorie-burning rather than eating," Muroff said.
People are likely to dismiss table tennis as a game for children, but Muroff said he hopes they will take another look at it for the cardiovascular benefits. He said the game can help seniors maintain eye-hand coordination and, because it's played indoors, can be played all year round.
"You don't have to be a great table tennis player to have fun playing. Just play at whatever your level is," Muroff said.
Zhuang called his wife, Joannie, up to the table and the couple demonstrated a drill in which they volleyed across the table. The clicks and clacks of the ball on the table were so steady, they sounded like a musician's metronome. Her feet were planted and she merely shifted her weight from side to side, hitting the ball at the same height and position for at least 10 exchanges.
"Did you take dance lessons?" a member of the audience chimed in.
As the couple showed their skills, they fielded some questions from the audience. One asked if Zhuang plans to train for the next Olympics?
"If my body lets me do it," he said.
Most recently, Zhuang played for the United States in the Beijing Olympics. He immigrated to the United States in 1990, after beginning his table tennis training in his native China at age 8.
Pitluk thanked the mayor and the Zhuangs for the demonstration. He also sneaked in a bid to bring the Zhuangs on board as "ringers" for the Village Grande table tennis team. "Anytime you are interested in a (community for) 55 and over, we can make a deal for you," Pitluk said.
Zhuang joined 16 other Olympic athletes Monday for a reception with Gov. Jon Corzine at Drumthwacket, his official mansion. The governor honored the 2008 Olympic contenders for their achievements and for the pride they bring to citizens of New Jersey. Several of them were gold medal winners.
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