The Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) can’t be compared to the top sporting events, the likes of the Olympics, Commonwealths or Mediterranean Games.
As the title shows, these Games are only open to the small nations, giving their athletes a realistic chance of striking medal success, something they would find hard to achieve in bigger competitions.
In Malta, athletes who secure medals at the GSSE are held in the highest esteem and installed as leading candidates for awards in the country’s sporting contests. One of these renowned athletes is table tennis ace Simon Gerada.
The Maltese-Australian has been representing the country for a decade after making his first appearance in San Marino back in 2001.
His debut was impressive to say the least as the Melbourne-based player was a whisker away from a memorable gold, only to lose in the singles final.
The pressure weighed down Gerada in Malta two years later as he had to settle for bronze. However, his defining moment was to come in the 2005 Games in Andorra where he won merited gold medals in singles and team events.
Gerada was on course to reach the singles final in the Cyprus Games two years ago only to go down to San Marino’s Wang Dagi 3-1. Two years on, Gerada will again lead Malta’s challenge in table tennis at the Liechtenstein Games.
“I’m approaching these Games in very good shape,” Gerada told The Times from Australia.
“I’ve been training really hard lately and feeling like I’m playing my best table tennis for many years. I know that the federation is banking a lot on my performances in Liechtenstein so I’m ready to play my part and make sure these will be another Games to remember for the table tennis fraternity.”
Gerada will team up with Daniel Bajada, Lu Ping Fei and Jessica Pace. Andrzej Makowski is again responsible for the team’s technical preparation.
Gerada also had Malta champion Bajada as his table-tennis team-mate at the last GSSE.
“Daniel is a great talent, you could see that in Cyprus. I’m sure he will be a great asset to our team,” Gerada said.
“He is still very young but the fact that he is playing in Italy has certainly helped him to take his game to another level. Cyprus was a good learning experience for him so now he knows what to expect. Hopefully, we’ll get some good results in doubles and the competition for teams.”
Gerada said there will be no added pressure on him in Liechtenstein.
“At the moment I am very relaxed,” Gerada said.
“Actually I am looking forward to joining the rest of the Maltese contingent as, psychologically I get pumped up having all the other athletes training and living together during the Games.
“This is going to be my sixth GSSE so I have enough experience to handle any kind of tension these competitions can produce. We know our opponents are bringing their best talent but we must be confident and believe in our ability.
“That way we can play with more confidence and get the results we want.”