Max Radiven is looking to take the table-tennis world by storm and recently added to his already impressive trophy haul by winning at the U15 National Championships in Nottingham.
The 14-year-old JCoSS student first picked up a bat at the age of seven, inspired by his mum Jo, who won a medal at the Maccabiah Games.
While initially nurturing his skills at two clubs — Borehamwood and Barnet TTC — Max also competed at a national level as a dancer before deciding last year to focus his attention on table tennis.
Supported by Eli Baraty, one of Europe’s leading coaches at his eBaTT table tennis centre, he’s also guided by former Maccabiah Games stars Sammy Kaye and Guy Ben-Aroya.
He trains with the likes of former top-30 England star Zak Cantor and the current Ghanian No 1 Derek Aberefa. Max joined eBaTT shortly after its opening and claimed his first national title soon after, winning at the U13 National Champion and in the following 12 months became England No 1 in his age group.
Finishing as runner-up at the U15 National Championships, where he also took the doubles title, he more recently claimed his first men’s title — at the London Grand Prix Band 4 event, and has also won silver at the National Cup.
Coming from a family steeped in sport, his mum, who participated at three Maccabiah Games and four European Maccabi Games, still plays table tennis, competing in local league and County Vets matches.
Dad Larry is a keen footballer, who’s represented Team GB in Maccabiah Games, European Maccabi Games and Pan American Games, while older brother, Sam, has played tennis at a Maccabiah Games.
Looking ahead to the summer, Max, whose international experience has seen him travel with the England squad to World Table Tennis International events in Sweden and train with a professional club in France, will be attending the World School Games — representing England — in Brazil.
Table-tennis wizard Max dreams of international titles
Fourteen-year-old JCoSS student Max Radiven adds to impressive trophy haul by winning at the U15 National Championships
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