Perth Prodigy Makes History on Global Stage
An 11-year-old table tennis sensation from Victoria Park is redefining what's possible for young Australian athletes after achieving a Western Australian-first in international competition. Samuel Shwe, whose junior world ranking sits impressively at 14th in the under-11 category, has spent the past year collecting medals and building a reputation as one of the country's most promising table tennis prospects.
From Social Media Star to World Champion
While Shwe boasts an impressive social media following with over 16,000 Instagram followers and 13,000 on Facebook, his achievements extend far beyond digital metrics. In September, he created history by becoming the first Western Australian to win a World Table Tennis WTT Youth Contender, triumphing in Varazdin, Croatia. This golden victory came shortly after he secured a silver medal at the same event in Otocec.
The young champion continued his success on home soil, winning silver in the under-11 category at Perth's inaugural Youth Contender held in October. These international accomplishments built upon his domestic dominance, where he received the best under-11's player award at the Australian National Championships in July after securing two gold medals, two silvers, and a bronze.
Staying Grounded Amid Rising Fame
Despite his incredible year of success, Shwe remains remarkably humble, stating that his global experiences simply fuel his desire to improve. "It feels amazing. I'm proud to represent WA and Australia, and it shows that kids from Perth can also compete with the best in the world," he said.
The young athlete expressed his passion for the sport, noting, "I love travelling. I love competing, and I love training every day with world-class players, and it pushes me to get better fast." Shwe acknowledged the challenge of competing against international players but values the learning experience, explaining that he must constantly adapt his strategy and service techniques against different playing styles.
Having started playing table tennis at just eight years old, Shwe is already planning his next moves. He aims to train in Asia over the summer as he targets another rise up the rankings and prepares to compete at the under-13 level, proving that this West Australian phenomenon is only just beginning his remarkable journey.
