Ivy Liao, a Canadian National Team Athlete, has taken on a mentorship role with Table Tennis North. The British Columbia resident will be supporting Table Tennis Athletes from the Northwest Territories as they prepare for the 2024 Canadian Championships, the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, and the 2027 Canada Winter Games. This mentorship will cover various aspects such as social interactions, coach mentorship, and athlete mentorship, with monthly sessions led by the Pan American Games medalist. The focus will be on monitoring the progress of the athletes and supporting them in maximizing opportunities to reach their full potential. Additionally, a training camp will be planned in collaboration with the National Team athlete.
Ivy Liao: “The sport of Table Tennis has blessed me with so much growth, purpose, and appreciation since I first started competing 15 years ago; I’m very excited to share my experiences and support the talented athletes and coaches from the Northwest Territories as they prepare for success in their participation at upcoming competitions and multi-sport Games.”
The community is excited about the future prospects and achievements that Ivy Liao’s mentorship will bring. They will also be cheering for Ivy as she competes in the 2024 Olympic Games Qualification event in Lima, Peru from May 14-18, 2024.
Biography
Won bronze as part of the women’s team at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games
Competed at the ITTF World Championships in 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2024
Won singles bronze at the 2022 Canadian Championships
3x Canadian U21 women’s singles champion (2016, 2018, 2019)
Won medals in six of seven events at the 2018 Canadian Championships, claiming national titles in U18 girls’ singles, U21 women’s singles, U18 mixed doubles, and women’s team
Won two silver medals and one bronze at the 2015 Canada Winter Games
Seven-time medallist at the junior Pan American Championships
A Little More About Ivy
Getting into the Sport: Started playing table tennis at age 7 when a friend of her parents recommended they enroll Ivy and her brother at a local club to keep them active during a community centre strike… Played in her first national championships at age 9…Outside Interests: Graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce in April 2023… Enjoys reading, watching other sports and movies and spending time with her family when not training, competing and studying… Odds and Ends: Inspired by Canadian badminton player Michelle Li for both her mindset and international results… Favourite quote: “Isn’t it funny that day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different.” – C.S. Lewis…
