Elena Fuchs at age 15 at the European Table Tennis Championships

In July, Elena Fuchs won the gold medal at the European Junior Championships in doubles with partner Nina Skerbans. The federation is now rewarding this performance with a starting place in the local European Championships in the general category in Linz. “Of course I am very happy about it. I think I will be a little nervous because I have not played in such a big tournament yet,” says Elena Fuchs in an interview with ORF Burgenland.

Short preparation

Elena Fox knew two weeks ago that she could compete with Nina Skerbens in the women's doubles qualifier. Since then, the 15-year-old has increased the intensity of her workouts again, despite her recent injury. “I injured my back after the European Youth Championships and then had to take a break in August. But with treatments and a lot of massages, I was able to train well without feeling pain in the last few days,” says Elena Fuchs.

Elena Fox and her partner will only have to win one game to move to center court. The Draßmarkt woman does not know her opponents. “I already watch my opponents’ matches, also online. But in the match I focus more on my own game,” the 15-year-old said of her preparations.

The countdown is on

Recently, Elena Fox prepared for the European Championships at her headquarters in Linz. On Monday I already trained in the big competition hall. “Every hall is different. It depends on the size, the floor and the tables. I had a relatively good feeling in the hall on Monday and I think the hall will suit us well,” says Elena Fox optimistically.

The European Table Tennis Championship begins on Tuesday with the first qualifying matches. It's Elena Fox's turn on Wednesday. Austria also has two hot medal contenders: Sofia Polkanova for the women and Daniel Habison for the men.