In this portrait of the month, we are pleased to introduce Luka Mladenovic, a 25-year-old professional table tennis player from Luxembourg. He discovered his passion for table tennis at an early age and built a successful career that led him to the Olympic Games this year. In this article, learn more about his journey and experiences along the way.
From the first stroke to a hobby: how his love for table tennis flourished
Luka Mladenovic was born in Luxembourg in the late 1990s of Serbian parents. He started playing football at the age of 6 but had to stop after two years due to health issues. He was then advised to focus on indoor sports, which eventually led him to table tennis.
Luka quickly realised that he was better at table tennis than football and developed a passion for the sport. He soon began training with the national team, taking part in twice-weekly training sessions from the age of 10. He won national titles in his age category, which reinforced his enthusiasm for table tennis.
Increasingly confronted with international opponents, he suffered defeats and often negative reactions from his coach. At the age of 15, he considered giving up table tennis. However, thanks to the support of a national coach, he discovered a new playing method that reignited his passion.
With the application of his new playing style, his table tennis career truly took off from then on. He began training more intensively and entered a sports high school. In 2020, he joined the Luxembourg Army to pursue his path as a professional athlete as a sports soldier. Since 2021, Luka has been training professionally.
Luka’s journey to the Olympic stage: a remarkable experience
Luka never put pressure on himself to qualify for the Olympics; he was confident that he would participate sooner or later.
"If it wasn’t these Olympics, it would be the next one," Luka explains.
In early 2024, he began playing regularly at a high level and winning against strong opponents in the German Bundesliga. Within a short space of time, he had achieved numerous impressive results. His self-confidence and hard work rapidly developed his talent, eventually leading him to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
"When you arrive at the Olympic Village, you go to eat, and just as you enter the restaurant, there’s Carlos Alcaraz... I should mention, I’m a huge tennis fan," shares Luka Mladenovic with a broad smile.
For him, the Olympics were an overwhelming experience. Initially, the excitement was huge, and energy was bubbling over, but Luka knew that he drew strength from calmness and retreat.
He arrived in Paris just under a week before his first match. Although nervous, Luka tried to stick to the routine that had accompanied him over the past few months, to be able to give his best. "The atmosphere was incredible," he recalls. Although he had to miss the opening ceremony because his match was scheduled for the very next day, he has no regrets about that decision. "It was definitely the right choice. If I had to do it again, I would do it the same way."
At match time, Luka looked out over the crowd and spotted numerous Luxembourg flags. He heard cheers coming from all directions, which moved him deeply. "Standing there and representing my country is a moment that will be mine forever—no one can take that away from me." Even if he didn’t win, he’s proud to have had the courage to take up the challenge and represent his country at the Olympics.
His challenges: from everyday life to the Olympics
For Luka, the biggest challenge of the Olympic Games has been processing the flood of emotions. "You want to experience everything, make the most of the atmosphere, but at the same time, perform well."
In table tennis, as in many other sports, it’s not always easy to see the positives immediately after a defeat. “I’m a very emotional person,” admits Luka. While he tries not to let negative emotions take control after a setback, he also recognises that these feelings drive him to take action. Defeats give him the opportunity to question himself.
"Next time will be better"—that thought is not enough for him. "No, if you don’t change anything and don’t understand why it didn’t work out, why should it be different next time?" For Luka, it’s clear:
"Only those who are willing to learn from their mistakes and adapt can succeed in the long run."
For him, defeats are not failures, but valuable lessons that help him move forward.
Should you highlight sports activities in your job search?
Including sports in your resume can reveal a lot about a person, especially if you've been active as a competitive athlete or part of a club. It demonstrates discipline, talent and mental resilience. Competing in sports at a high level requires perseverance and strong mental endurance, qualities that are equally valuable in a professional environment.
Luka definitely envisioned his career in sport. Though he has a calm demeanour, he thrives in social settings and enjoys being surrounded by people who share his motivation. After his table tennis career, he can easily see himself working as a personal trainer:
"Sharing my knowledge, especially my unique playing style, will be my path. I like to feel the energy that comes from accomplishing something together. That feeling of building something as a team is priceless."
Luka's valuable advice for aspiring professionals
Luka believes that having a high tolerance of frustration is essential. While sport should be fun, it’s also important to be ready to take on challenges, even if that means going through tough moments.
It’s not always easy, but keeping the bigger picture in mind is crucial: what you invest now will pay off later. For Luka, losing is an integral part of the process. If you only focus on the positive aspects and don’t confront your own mistakes, you won’t get far.
In sport, as in life, you’re constantly faced with challenges. There are days when the resistance feels overwhelming, but it's from those moments that you can draw strength and continue to grow, both in your game and mentally. The ability to persevere through difficult times and not give up is the key to success.
Thanks to his intense training and passion, Luka successfully competed at the Olympic Games in Paris. We wish him every success in the future and hope to see him at the next Olympics in LA in 2028!
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