Rosario re-signs for Paris 2024

Table Tennis Australia (TTA) is pleased to announce that National Head Coach (Para), Alois Rosario, has signed a 4-year contract extension until the end of 2024.

At the helm of the National Para Squad since 2013, Rosario has guided the program to exceptional results, including Sam von Einem winning silver at the 2016 Paralympic Games and Melissa Tapper and Andrea McDonnell winning gold and bronze respectively at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Moreover, 2019 was the most successful year ever for the program, with Australian athletes winning 17 gold medals in international competitions. 

TTA Chief Executive Scott Houston said Rosario’s re-appointment comes at an exciting time as TTA aims to qualify the largest ever contingent of Australian players for a Paralympic Games ahead of Tokyo next year.

“Alois is a highly credentialed coach and he’s recognised for his efforts not just within the Australian table tennis community, but internationally as well,” Houston said.

“On top of being an exceptional coach from a technical perspective, Alois also brings outstanding interpersonal skills and a genuine ability to help our players grow as athletes and as people.

“I’m certain that Alois is the right person to continue this momentum and lead the charge as we face into the shortest Games cycle in history.”

Working closely with Rosario since his start in 2013, TTA National Program Manager (Para) Sue Stevenson said she was delighted to see him continue the program’s great work.

“I’ve known Alois since we were very young table tennis players, and over the years I’ve seen him grow into a world class coach. As a coach, he thinks very differently to other traditional coaches and our players have gone from strength to strength because of his work and his initiative,” Stevenson said.

“I’m thrilled to see him extend his contract with TTA, and I really believe it will benefit both our current athletes and our future players as our National Squad continues to grow.”

Rosario was first exposed to the world of para table tennis while working with State and Junior Teams at Table Tennis Victoria, and had his first taste of coaching Australian para athletes as Assistant Coach for the London 2012 Paralympics, under former Para Head Coach Roger Massie.

“I’m beyond excited and incredibly grateful to be given this opportunity,” Rosario said.

“In the years I’ve been coaching the Australian Para Table Tennis Team, I’ve learnt so much about the sport and what athletes can do.

“Some of my proudest moments of my career have been seeing some of my current athletes succeed on the world stage, including Sam winning silver in Rio.

“Working with this wonderful group of athletes constantly pushes me to reach new heights as a coach and I’m looking forward to guiding them to more great results between now and 2024.”