Boll plans for new role in table tennis
German idol Timo Boll could remain in table tennis in a different role after the end of his career. At the early celebration of his farewell to his club Borussia Düsseldorf on his 44th birthday, the former world number one hinted at such considerations in an interview with the SID.
“I'm certainly not going to disappear from the table tennis scene overnight, I'm far too big a table tennis fan for that,” said Boll after a highly emotional evening surrounding Düsseldorf's 2:3 against TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen. However, it will “take a few more weeks” to announce the details, the seven-time Olympic participant continued: “I know what will happen in the next two or three years, I'm not running around without a plan.”
The left-hander has long ruled out working as a coach or official. A year ago, however, Düsseldorf's manager Andreas Preuß had already expressed hopes of Boll's commitment to the record champions in a different capacity against the backdrop of Boll's imminent departure. At the German Table Tennis Association (DTTB), the new chairman of the board, Wolfgang Dörner, recently took office with great interest in Boll's involvement, possibly as an ambassador for the association and the sport. Long-standing table tennis sponsors are also currently developing models for further cooperation.
However, the future only played a subordinate role for Boll on his birthday in Düsseldorf. Instead, the Hessian, who was frenetically celebrated at times, took an “incredibly emotional” look back in his speech in front of 1,100 spectators.
The only time Boll had to swallow hard and shed a tear or two was when he declared his love for his wife Rodelia and daughter Zoe. Although his professional career sometimes required him to be away for 300 days a year, his loved ones “stayed by my side”, said Boll, full of appreciation for his family life: “At some point you have to give something back to the family, who have always given back. You have to be fair not only in sport, but also in your private life.”
Source: SID
Featured image above: Timo Boll (Photo: Borussia Düsseldorf)