Harry Blackhall
Harry’s introduction to table tennis wasn’t planned – it started on family holidays, knocking a ball around with his dad on the tables tucked into hotel games rooms. It was just something fun to do on a trip, until a coincidence changed things: a local club started up one summer at Garioch Sports Centre in Inverurie, and Harry, keen to keep playing, was quick to join.
It was at one of those early sessions that ASV coach Dave Low spotted something in Harry’s game. Recognising his talent, Dave invited him along to train with ASV, and from that point on, table tennis became a serious commitment – five sessions a week.
The following year, Harry played in his first competitive tournament, in 2017. From there, his progress was steady. He began entering every tournament he could, was selected for national training camps, and built up strong results over the years that followed. The high point of his journey so far came with back-to-back selections for the European Youth Championships, representing Scotland in Poland and then Sweden.
Harry is now two years into his studies at Heriot-Watt University, and table tennis has naturally taken a step back since starting. He’s also aged out of the junior category, having left the U19s behind. Even so, he still competes every week in the Edinburgh local league, and plays men’s events whenever he can.
Harry remains deeply grateful for the support he’s had throughout his journey; from Dave Low, who first spotted his potential, to every coach since who has helped shape him as a player. He credits them with opening doors and creating opportunities he otherwise wouldn’t have had, and couldn’t be more thankful for everything they’ve given him.
Top three achievements to date:
- European Youth Championships selection — back-to-back selections for Scotland, competing in Poland (2024) and Sweden (2025)
- Scottish National Championships U18 Doubles Champion — back-to-back titles, 2024 and 2025
- Scottish National Championships U18 Singles Runner-up — 2024