Félix Lebrun, born on September 12, 2006, in Montpellier, France, has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young table tennis players in the world. Known for his exceptional skills, speed, and mastery of variations in serves, Félix’s precocious talent has set new benchmarks in European and global table tennis.
Early Life and Training
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in table tennis, Félix was exposed to the sport at a young age. His father, Stéphane Lebrun, a former top-10 French player turned coach, and his uncle Christophe Legoût, a former world No. 14, played pivotal roles in shaping his early development. Alongside his older brother Alexis, who also achieved a world ranking of 14 in 2024, Félix developed his unique penhold grip style under the guidance of an exclusive training team in Montpellier. This unorthodox technique, inspired by observing professional player Chen Jian, provides superior wrist mobility and has become a signature aspect of Félix’s game.
Junior Career Highlights
Félix quickly gained prominence in junior competitions, capturing multiple titles, including French championships in various age categories and European and world cadet titles. Notably, he won the prestigious Eurominichamps twice (2017 and 2018) and achieved global success by clinching a cadet world doubles championship with Sora Matsushima.
Breakthrough Years
Félix’s transition to senior competitions was marked by a meteoric rise. By the age of 15, he entered the global top 100 rankings, and his first major title came at the 2023 European Games, where he became the youngest Frenchman to secure the men’s singles championship. His historic performance was followed by a team bronze medal. Later that year, Félix and Alexis secured their first international doubles title, reaching the fifth position in the global rankings.
Key Achievements in 2024
In 2024, Félix continued to excel on the international stage. He won his first WTT Star Contender event in Goa, defeating top-ranked players like Hugo Calderano and moving up to sixth in the ITTF world rankings. He also earned a silver medal at the World Team Championships in Busan, marking a historic achievement for the French men’s team after a 27-year drought.
At the Paris Olympics, Félix’s skill and determination shone as he claimed bronze in both singles and team events, partnering with Alexis and Simon Gauzy. In a memorable moment, Félix became the first European to win a WTT Champions event by defeating Tomokazu Harimoto in Montpellier. His victory marked a significant milestone for European table tennis.
Training and Innovation
Félix and Alexis have benefited from an innovative and tailored approach to training. Their team, led by coach Nathanaël Molin and supported by a physical trainer and physiotherapist, emphasizes creativity and adapts techniques from Chinese training methods to suit European players. This unconventional path, bypassing traditional French sports institutions, has been instrumental in Félix’s rapid development.
Future Prospects
Currently ranked fourth globally, Félix Lebrun has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in international table tennis. His success at such a young age, combined with his relentless pursuit of excellence, suggests a bright future filled with more milestones and records.
Conclusion
Félix Lebrun’s journey from a prodigious talent in Montpellier to an international table tennis phenomenon is a testament to his dedication, skill, and innovative approach. As he continues to push boundaries, Félix not only elevates French table tennis but also inspires the next generation of players worldwide.