Chris aDDIS
From Suburban Club to Paralympic Glory: Chris’s Unstoppable Table Tennis Journey
It all started in Year 10. Chris, now one of Australia’s celebrated Paralympic table tennis athletes, wasn’t planning on a sporting career that day — he just didn’t want to go home.
“It was either go home or go with him to table tennis. I chose table tennis — and I’ve never looked back.”What began as a casual outing turned into something much bigger. Chris discovered para table tennis through a juniors program led by Alois Rosario, and from there, his love for the sport grew. He played and played — until life took him in another direction.
“I took six years off to have two kids — a son and a daughter,” he shares proudly. “That was a beautiful time. But for the last three years or so, I’ve been back.”
Back — and better than ever. Chris earned a place at the Paris Paralympics — a monumental achievement, and a moment he describes as “incredible.”
“At first it was overwhelming,” he admits. “But once you settle into it and realise where you are, and who you’re alongside — some of the best athletes in the world — it just becomes this amazing, surreal experience.”
Leading into Paris, the training was intense. Chris was on the table three times a week, with two additional sessions in the gym focused on strength and conditioning.
“The lead-up was hectic,” he says. “We had camps, lots of prep — it was a full-on schedule.”
When asked how many shots ahead he’s thinking during a match, he laughs.
“You’ve got an overall strategy, sure, but really, it’s about focusing on the ball that’s in front of you. If you’re not present — it’s not good.”
Paris didn’t serve up an easy draw.
“First round — world number one,” he remembers. “He was definitely the toughest opponent in Paris.”
Chris was deeply moved by the sheer scale of the event and what it represents.
“You see athletes who’ve come through so much, and they’re giving everything to the sport. It reminds you why you’re there.”
Despite his success, the biggest challenge hasn’t been on the table — it’s been balancing training with fatherhood and family life.
“My wife works full-time, I’ve got two little ones, and just the logistics — school runs, home life, and getting enough training in — it’s a lot. But we make it work.”
Support, he says, has been key to that balance.
“There are so many people who’ve helped along the way. Alois was there from day one. And more recently, Maggie, George, and especially Danni Di Toro. She’s been a huge part of my comeback after having kids. She’s kept me on track — kept me focused. She’s honestly incredible.”
Looking ahead, there are still plenty of milestones on the horizon.
“This year we’ve got a couple more tournaments — Oceania Regionals will be a big one. And looking further ahead, LA and Brisbane — but that’s a long way down the road.”
And for those curious about table tennis — whether para or able-bodied — Chris’s advice is simple and heartfelt:
“Just go. Go to your local club. Give it a go. It’s an incredible sport, and once you start, you’ll never look back.”
With his quiet determination, powerful presence, and humble attitude, Chris’s story is a reminder that the road to greatness doesn’t require a perfect start — just a paddle, a bit of courage, and the heart to keep showing up.
“It was either go home or go with him to table tennis. I chose table tennis — and I’ve never looked back.”What began as a casual outing turned into something much bigger. Chris discovered para table tennis through a juniors program led by Alois Rosario, and from there, his love for the sport grew. He played and played — until life took him in another direction.
“I took six years off to have two kids — a son and a daughter,” he shares proudly. “That was a beautiful time. But for the last three years or so, I’ve been back.”
Back — and better than ever. Chris earned a place at the Paris Paralympics — a monumental achievement, and a moment he describes as “incredible.”
“At first it was overwhelming,” he admits. “But once you settle into it and realise where you are, and who you’re alongside — some of the best athletes in the world — it just becomes this amazing, surreal experience.”
Leading into Paris, the training was intense. Chris was on the table three times a week, with two additional sessions in the gym focused on strength and conditioning.
“The lead-up was hectic,” he says. “We had camps, lots of prep — it was a full-on schedule.”
When asked how many shots ahead he’s thinking during a match, he laughs.
“You’ve got an overall strategy, sure, but really, it’s about focusing on the ball that’s in front of you. If you’re not present — it’s not good.”
Paris didn’t serve up an easy draw.
“First round — world number one,” he remembers. “He was definitely the toughest opponent in Paris.”
Chris was deeply moved by the sheer scale of the event and what it represents.
“You see athletes who’ve come through so much, and they’re giving everything to the sport. It reminds you why you’re there.”
Despite his success, the biggest challenge hasn’t been on the table — it’s been balancing training with fatherhood and family life.
“My wife works full-time, I’ve got two little ones, and just the logistics — school runs, home life, and getting enough training in — it’s a lot. But we make it work.”
Support, he says, has been key to that balance.
“There are so many people who’ve helped along the way. Alois was there from day one. And more recently, Maggie, George, and especially Danni Di Toro. She’s been a huge part of my comeback after having kids. She’s kept me on track — kept me focused. She’s honestly incredible.”
Looking ahead, there are still plenty of milestones on the horizon.
“This year we’ve got a couple more tournaments — Oceania Regionals will be a big one. And looking further ahead, LA and Brisbane — but that’s a long way down the road.”
And for those curious about table tennis — whether para or able-bodied — Chris’s advice is simple and heartfelt:
“Just go. Go to your local club. Give it a go. It’s an incredible sport, and once you start, you’ll never look back.”
With his quiet determination, powerful presence, and humble attitude, Chris’s story is a reminder that the road to greatness doesn’t require a perfect start — just a paddle, a bit of courage, and the heart to keep showing up.
Michael Tomlinson
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