For this edition of Table Tennis Victoria’s Meet the Vic’s series, we spoke to up and coming star Nicholas Lum.

The unbelievably talented teenager picked up a table tennis bat for the first time at seven years old and never looked back.

“Every Thursday I would follow my dad to Croydon, and I would watch him play table tennis with his friends. Those days ignited my passion to play and soon I was on the table learning the basics. Throughout my table tennis career, I have played at school, club, state, national and international level.” Said Lum.

Not only did his dad, Kenneth, help give Nicholas his passion for the sport, he has also helped him every step of the way throughout his young career.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents. They go to work every day, drive me to practice, cheer for me, to help me achieve my dreams. They inspire me to work hard and to strive for my dreams - I’m so fortunate with the parents I have “said Lum.

A bronze medal at the 2017 ITTF World Hopes Week in Luxembourg headlines a number of achievements including representing Victoria seven times so far, five as a junior and twice at the senior nationals.

“Having the opportunity to represent your state is such a great honour. It is definitely something I’m really proud of, and I hope I can get some good results at this year’s senior and junior nationals “ he said.

Nicholas has also competed at an international level multiple times, with the 2018 ITTF World Junior Table Tennis Championships holding particularly fond memories.

“My first ITTF World Junior Table Tennis Championships in Bendigo in 2018 was a moment I will never forget. I remember playing on Table 1 against a strong Slovakian player with the home crowd cheering for me, and I was able to come off with an awesome win “ recalled Lum.

Despite his young age, Nicholas has a strong love of the game and is always striving to be better.

“Table tennis is such a complex sport. There are so many different aspects in the game and what motivates me is the urge to improve and be perfect in each and every one of those skills. I am always watching the top players on YouTube - just watching them gives me motivation and the passion to help keep me going “ he said.

We cannot wait to watch Nicholas on-going success in the Victorian colours for many years to come, and look forward to continuing supporting him on his journey.