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From Football Fields to Ping Pong Tables: The Rise of Lenny Sellier
A simple sound – the rhythmic ‘tac tac tac’ of a ping pong ball – changed the trajectory of Lenny Sellier’s life. The 16-year-old from Saint-André, Réunion Island, has quickly become a rising star in the world of table tennis, captivating coaches and fans alike with his dedication and natural talent.
An Accidental Discovery During Lockdown
Sellier’s journey began almost by chance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with football practices suspended, he stumbled upon a training session while picking up his sister from the gym. Intrigued by the fast-paced action, he decided to try it himself. “I went to watch a practice, I liked it and I wanted to try,” Sellier explained.
His father, Stéphane Sellier, recalls the moment vividly: “We went to pick up his little sister in Mille Roches and we heard ‘tac tac tac tac’. He said, ‘Dad, can I proceed see?’ I said ‘Sure, go ahead.’ And at the end, I couldn’t find the boy – Lenny was playing table tennis.”
Rapid Progression and Championship Wins
Within five years, Sellier has achieved remarkable success. He became the Réunion Island champion in 2024, followed by winning both the junior singles and doubles championships in 2025. He’s also a two-time winner of the Critérium Régional (2025 and 2026), becoming the youngest player in local history to achieve this feat.
Lenny Sellier’s recent success has also benefited his club, Case Cressonnière Tennis de Table, helping them secure a bronze medal – their first national medal – at the French Championships.
A Model for Young Athletes
Sellier isn’t just winning matches; he’s inspiring his peers. Aymerick Mélade, a fellow player at Case Cressonnière, describes him as a role model: “Lenny is a model because he’s young, he’s my age even. He’s always been very athletic. He’s an example, because it’s the kind of progression we’d all like to have. He’s the team’s role model because he gives his all, he fights at every point, at every moment.”
The Importance of Rigor and Balance
According to Sellier, dedication is key: “You have to want to become stronger at table tennis and you have to be serious because if you’re not serious it’s complicated to get better. You have to be rigorous.”
His parents play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance between sports, and academics. They trust him to manage his time effectively, but remain ready to intervene if his studies commence to suffer.
The Future Looks Bright: Aiming for the French National Team
Sellier’s ambitions extend beyond Réunion Island. He dreams of a professional career and, representing France on the international stage. “I would really like to have a professional career. Since I started playing table tennis, I see the professional players and it makes me want to play like them,” he says.
International expert Cédric Rouleau, who has been working with the Case Cressonnière club, believes Sellier has the potential to achieve his goals. “I was here last year, and he’s a talented young player. He has quite a gift in all disciplines, in all sports. You can see he has physical qualities.” Rouleau believes Sellier is “the number one” and “completely competitive” for the Island Games.
Did you know?
Lenny Sellier trains for three hours every day after school, demonstrating a commitment level comparable to professional athletes.
FAQ
Q: Where is Lenny Sellier from?
A: Lenny Sellier is from Saint-André, Réunion Island.
Q: What club does Lenny Sellier play for?
A: He plays for Case Cressonnière Tennis de Table.
Q: What are Lenny Sellier’s goals?
A: He aims to have a professional table tennis career and represent France in international competitions.
Q: How did Lenny Sellier get into table tennis?
A: He discovered table tennis during the COVID-19 pandemic when football was cancelled and he heard the sound of balls being hit at a local gym.
Ready to learn more about the exciting world of table tennis? Visit the International Table Tennis Federation website for news, rankings, and information about upcoming events.
