The two new table tennis champions are French

Alexis and Félix Lebrun are two French brothers who are making a name for themselves in the world of table tennis.

Alexis, 21 years old, plays with the traditional grip, while Félix, 17, uses the “penhold” grip, typical of Chinese champions. Both competed in the Paris Olympics, where Félix won bronze in both the individual and team events, while Alexis secured a team bronze.

Despite Félix being higher in the rankings, currently 6th in the world, he has never defeated Alexis, ranked 10th, in a major competition. In the French Championships last March, Alexis triumphed over his brother in an intense final, leaving Félix in tears after the loss. However, their bond remains strong: they have trained together since childhood and share the hard work needed to reach the top.

To handle the pressure and complexity of competing against each other, both have started working with sports psychologists, who help them manage their emotions and the stress of competition. Their mother mentioned that she prefers not to ask them how they feel, allowing them to face the situation on their own.

Their story captivates fans because it embodies both rivalry and brotherly camaraderie. Other French Olympic athletes have faced similar challenges, such as biathletes Martin and Simon Fourcade or canoeists Tony and Patrice Estanguet. For many, defeating an older brother is a sign of growth and determination.