Jörg Roßkopf

Jörg Roßkopf, born on May 22, 1969, is a distinguished former professional German table tennis player who has made significant contributions to the sport as both an athlete and a coach. Currently, he serves as the head coach of the German Men's National Table Tennis Team, where he continues to influence the next generation of players.

As a player, Roßkopf achieved remarkable success, winning the Men's Doubles title at the 1989 World Table Tennis Championships alongside his partner Steffen Fetzner. His Olympic journey was equally impressive, where he secured a silver medal in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and a bronze medal in men's singles at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Additionally, he claimed the gold medal at the Table Tennis World Cup in 1998, solidifying his status as one of the sport's elite.

In recognition of his coaching prowess, Roßkopf was honored with the ITTF Star Coach award in 2017, reflecting his dedication and expertise in developing players. Renowned table tennis legend Jan-Ove Waldner has praised Roßkopf for possessing the best backhand in the world, particularly effective against backspin, showcasing his exceptional skill set.

Notably, Roßkopf is one of only seven table tennis players to have competed in the first five Olympics since the sport's introduction to the Games in 1988, joining the ranks of other notable athletes such as Jörgen Persson and Zoran Primorac. His enduring legacy in table tennis is further supported by his sponsorship with JOOLA Table Tennis, a testament to his influence and reputation in the sport.