Hwan Bae
Hwan Bae (AU)
Biography
Hwan Bae is quickly making a name for himself on the global table tennis stage. Born in Westmead and growing up in Sydney, his passion for table tennis began at a very young age. By nine, he was already competing in official tournaments. His commitment and skill saw him rise through the ranks, participating in various local, state, and national events throughout his junior years. His big break came in 2022 when he made his World Table Tennis debut in the youth contender series.
2022 was a breakthrough year for Hwan, highlighted by his impressive showing at the World Youth Championship and his performance in the World Table Tennis Youth Contender Series, where he clinched a silver medal. He also showcased his talent at the Oceania Championships, earning a bronze in the U19 singles division and contributing to Australia's gold medal in the U19 team category.
In 2023, Hwan's success continued on home soil as he took silver in the open doubles division and gold in the U21 singles at the Oceania Championships. He also played a crucial role in defending Australia's title in the U19 boys' team category. His achievements extended to the 2023 Australian National Championships, where he won a bronze medal in the U19 Singles and competed internationally in the United States, securing gold in the U19 mixed doubles division at the US Open.
Hwan's consistent performances earned him a spot in the 2024 Australian Olympic Qualification Tournament in Ballarat. Triumphing over Finn Luu in the finals, Hwan secured his place on the Australian Olympic team. Now set to represent Australia in Paris, Hwan Bae is ready to showcase his skills and make his mark as an Olympian.