USA Table Tennis

Sport name changed

1904

The original name of the sport was "ping-pong" but was changed in 1904 to table tennis because of the name being trademarked by Parker Brothers. The name was further developed to USA Table Tennis in the 1990's. (History, Team USA Table Tennis Website)

First Table Tennis World Championship

1926

The first Table Tennis World Championship was held in London December of 1926. It was run by the International Table Tennis Federation. There were two available events for each gender: individual and doubles competition. (History of the USATT, Chapter 1, USATT Website)

United States Table Tennis Association (USATT) Founded

1933

As a sports governing body, The United States Table Tennis Association (USATT) was founded in 1933. With headquarters in Colorado Springs, this organization oversees 9,000+ members as well as 285+ table tennis clubs. (History, Team USA Table Tennis Website)

First Inductions Into The USATT Hall of Fame

1966

Although the first inductions into the USATT Hall of Fame we're considered a "false start", 3 American team members were sworn into the Hall of Fame in this year. Those platers are Jimmy McClure, Dick Miles and Leah Neuberger. (Hall of Fame Profiles, USATT Website)

Table Tennis Acknowledged In The First Olympic Games

Sep 17, 1988

Table Tennis was first recognized as an olympic sport in the games of 1988 in Seoul. This included mens and women's singles and team events. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics a new event, mixed doubles will be introduced to the olympic competition. ( History of the USATT, Chapter 1, USATT Website)

Table Tennis Hall of Fame

1993

Many years after the USATT formed their own Hall of Fame, the Table Tennis Hall of Fame was created in 1993 by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). In order to be recognized for nomination into the HoF, an athlete must win a minimum of five gold medals in events such as The Table Tennis World Championships, Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games. This hall of fame includes players and officers. Two Americans were inducted in the first year of operation, Laszlo Bellak and James McClure.

United States Table Tennis Athlete Competes For First Medal In History

2008

United States table tennis athlete Gao Jun came to compete in Beijing, China to win the first Olympic table tennis medal in U.S. history. Unfortunately, her goal was not achieved when the U.S. women lost 3-0 to South Korea in the second round of the playoff for the bronze medal. (U.S Team Falls Short of Table Tennis Medal, USA Today)