Thanks to the Lebrun brothers, table tennis is attracting a lot of attention in the Channel

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The table tenniswhich has long remained a discreet sport, is experiencing unprecedented popularity after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In the Channel, clubs are recording an spectacular increase memberships, particularly in Cherbourg where this “JO effect” is palpable.

An explosion of licensees

Matthieu Courtin, president of theUS Cherbourg table tennis, rejoices: “With the publicity that the Olympics gave us, we have completely taken off in terms of members. There were 59 licensees at the end of last year and, here, we are already at 75. It’s huge! »

He emphasizes that this increase is all the more significant as table tennis usually experiences a high turnover among young players. “This year, all the children stayed, and we welcomed around ten others. This is new for us. »

Same observation for Pascal Leblond, president of Cherbourg ASTTwhere numbers are also exploding. “I think it’s really a Lebrun effect. We went from 80 to 110 licensees in one year. The children's slot on Wednesday is packed, we have 15 tables and that's just enough. »

Stars that inspire

The role of Lebrun brothersstars of French table tennis, is unanimously praised. “The Lebrun brothers are on the 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. news, it’s incredible. With their good results, we are prolonging the Olympics effect a little,” jubilant Matthieu Courtin.

For him, this renewed interest is a revolution for the table tennis: “We were a secondary sport that found itself propelled to the forefront. My friends tell me about it, we talk about it at work, it’s extraordinary. Until now, we didn't have stars like Wembanyama in basketball or Mbappé in football. With the young Lebrun, we finally have our heroes. »

Pascal Leblond shares this enthusiasm: “Their performance gives incredible visibility to our sport. This attracts young people, but also their parents, who are fascinated by their exploits. »

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