Earlier this week some of the 160over90 crew set out for a visit to Boston’s Back Bay. Amid a hotel full of bankers in three-pieces suits and a number of interestingly dressed hair designers we attended the American Marketing Association Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education. 160over90, accompanied by Sharon Higgins from Loyola University Maryland, led a session titled Brand Aid: Getting Your Institution To Think Like The Consumer Brand That It Is. We also hosted a Cocktails & Ping Pong happy hour (check back for more on this) and exhibited our work in AMA’s central meeting hall. We put together this stop-motion video to give attendees an idea of our work and a peek into our agency culture. It’s comprised of over 6,500 images and was shot in just one take. Pretty groovy – kudos to our top-notch production team.

The AMA Symposium brought together higher education marketers from all over the world to discuss cutting edge approaches, new tools and technologies, and the current trends in higher ed marketing. It was the first time we’ve attended anything like this event and it was a great experience. We got to hang with people from all over the map: from Miami University of Ohio and University of Arizona, to the University of South Australia and the Ramius Corporation in Ontario. Thanks to everyone who attended our session and event or stopped by to say hello. We had a great time and look forward to participating in next year’s symposium – hopefully it’s held somewhere warm and sunny.

Communications Industry Ping Pong Tournament held at Spin in NYC on September 24, 2009

Bing sponsored a table tennis tournament last week at New York’s brand spankin’ new “table tennis social club,” SPiN. The event was open to professionals in the communications industry and appropriately titled “The Egos.” We participated (and brought along the riff raff).

Photos Courtesy of Kelly Samardak

Like many of the 70-ish firms participating, we held an internal tournament to determine who would rep the agency. The victor was Christopher Van Auken. He would be heading to New York and I’d tag along for the ride. We call Chris’s backhand “John Henry” because its sheer speed and force rivals that of the folk tale hero.

Yeah, that guy over there. That's Chris.

Experience The Egos after the jump..

Something you may not know about the character John Henry is this: He was allegedly born with a hammer in his hand. That had to be an interesting childbirth. I suppose it’s nothing compared to some of those Canadians that are born with ice skates on their feet.

Chris ballin with one of the pros

The evening got rolling with an impressive demo by a couple of pros. Fortunately, they weren’t competing in the tournament — just co-hosting. Do you see how far this guy is from the table?

Distance Pong

The social club vibes helped to encourage a general sense of camaraderie. I believe my coltish disposition may have been ever-so-slightly amplified by the quenchers from the open bar (way to go, Bing!). When I wasn’t shouting Chris’s praises, I was off making friends and enemies. Mostly friends, I think.

About the only thing I could complain about was the daffy lighting in there. It made shooting with my new Holga fisheye camera quite a challenge (more like a vain pursuit). But that’s merely a personal grievance, and fortunately they invited photographers. Way to go again there, Bing!

Bend it like Auken

Photo courtesy of Kelly Samardak

With the high volume of eager, registered players, there wasn’t a whole lot of opportunities for a lowly spectator to step in and swat the shere around (that’s what we really serious players call it. Just ask anyone really serious.) So I did what any rational attendee anxious for some action would do: I assumed a British accent, hopped in the queue with my paddle, and told everyone I was Phil from Weiden+Kennedy’s London outfit. Pleased to meet you, mate.

Passersby peeking in from the subway halls. Photo courtesy of Kelly Samardak

Photo Courtesy of Kelly Samardak

The frenetic atmosphere, the big swings, the “tic-tic” of pong balls, the spectacular spectator windows for people walking by in the underground — it all made for an interesting night. Call me a Pollyanna if you must, but I thought it was a good time.

Oh yeah, and that batty sport, what’s-his-face from 30 Rock was there. Judah Friedlander. Good man; he hosted.

Open bar and DJ -- Photo courtesy of Kelly Samardak

Advertising folk love them some ping pong, and we’ll readily admit to being enthusiasts (see: the other 43 blog posts pertaining to table tennis).  In fact, we here at 160over90 are a hospitable tribe, and we have a standing, open challenge: If you’d like to engage in a competitive bout of sorts, assemble a foursome and float us some potential dates.

Something else you may not know about John Henry: He dies at the end of the tale with his hammer in his hand after being declared victorious. I’m not sure just how that relates, but Chris beat a bunch of opponents before being eliminated by a rascally competitor about 2/3 of the way through the tournament.

Dance Pong

Oh well, it’s just good to get your ‘pong on some place new. We’ll be back with a vengeance next year. And hey — you should come with.

This is it, kids. After weeks of swinging, smacking, and submissions, the finalists have made their way to the top.  Before we view the contenders, let’s see how they got there, with the results of Round 2…

Results of Round 2

Mike “Suzuki Slim” Zwizanski vs. Phil “Honeycomb” Holcombe

Possibly distracted by his forthcoming birthday debaucheries, Mike succumbed to the wrath of Phil’s double-handed dance. There was, however, an Intern Inferno first in this match: a legitimate rally. For an entire 45 seconds, Mike and Phil paddled the ball back and forth, before Phil ultimately earned the point. This opens many doors for the Final Game, possibly even the chance for more than two games.

After the game, Phil yet again shined a light on his quirky views of his opponent*, “ [Mike]may be the most athletic to ever play the game. But totally overrated. And at this point, it’s safe to say he’s a cat person.” Is that a compliment? You decide.

Score:

Game 1: 11-4 Phil

Game 2: 11-7 Phil

Mike “Mad Dog” Medoro vs. Tyler “The Goon” Muldoon

Though it seemed Mad Dog entered this Round 2 match in quest of retribution for Tyler’s boorish tactics against Megan (Mad Dog was overheard valiantly defending her, shouting*, “How dare you! She’s a nice lady.”), he was unable to overcome Tyler’s indisputable talent. Tyler moves on to the finals, and on to another person to take out his rage.

Score:

Game 1: 11-3 Tyler

Game 2: 11-3 Tyler

Consolation Match:

Liz “Thin Lizzy” Henry vs. Liz “Football Head” Arnold

In this battle of the lady losers, Liz started off strong, but Liz’s backhand proved too quick for Liz. Liz kept her composure, while Liz struggled to gain any consistency. Though Liz took an early lead, Liz stumbled and Liz jumped on the opportunity to make a comeback against Liz. Liz fought hard to make a dent in the score, but in the end, Liz proved to be the bigger Liz, and Liz was the victor.

Score:

Game 1: 11-5 Liz

Game 2: 11-6 Liz

Round 3: The Finals

And here we are ladies and gentlemen, finally at the Finals. In this match to the death (not literally), the two remaining interns will play best of 5 games to determine who can call himself “Champion of the Interns”. Though the Champion will not be granted any special treatments for the remainder of his internship (this isn’t Miss America), his prize will be: Immortality. And a pretty snazzy t-shirt.  Without further adieu (though you probably already figured it out from the recap above), here are the finalists for in the first ever Intern Inferno!

Tyler “The Goon” Muldoon vs. Phil “Honeycomb” Holcombe

You already know the facts about these players, so let’s delve into the rumor mill:

Where does Tyler’s talent come from, you ask? Rumors of steroid use have been skirting around the Boomerang Table for the past few days.  Is the muscle filling out his shirt and fueling his shots real, or is it all juice? According to Liz “Thin Lizzy” Henry*, “Based on my…extensive research on this topic and conclusions based on documented pineapple evidence that implies [his] guilt, I would have to agree that the proof is in the pineapple”.

There’s no question Phil has a unique approach to his ping pong playing, which has brought him this far. But what about his mental approach to the game? With childhood stardom that faded faster than the shade of his skin, it’s been hypothesized that Phil’s mental stability has never quite recovered. Does he live in a dream world, stuck in his pre-pubescent years, living vicariously through toys and trinkets purchased with his dwindling funds? And how will it affect his game? We’ve all witnessed his bizarre, child-like answers to interview questions, now the real question is, is Phil heading for a breakdown? Mike “Suzuki Slim” Zwizanksi confirms*, “Definitely. [He’s] got the crazy eyes.”

*not original question

Before going into the lineup for this week, let’s take a look at the results from the first week of Round 1…

Liz “Football Head” Arnold vs. Phil “Honeycomb” Holcombe

In the play-in round; humble Phil Holcombe unleashed his unconventional two-handed grip, proving himself unstoppable. Apparently growing up playing tennis has its advantages. With poor wardrobe choices working against her, Liz didn’t stand a chance. Future opponents beware: do not trust Phil’s modesty.

Score:

Game 1: 11-4, Phil

Game 2: Don’t worry about it, Phil won. By a lot.

Sarah “The Riddler” Riddle vs. Mike “Suzuki Slim” Zwizanski

After a slightly suspicious setback involving Jewish History and a rogue bag, Mike dominated Sarah. Following a perfect cross-court attack, Mike unleashed his emotionally detrimental smack-talk catchphrase: “That’s right”. Sarah crumbled, and the match was over.

When asked what one thing would improve him game*, he quickly responded

“I would have to go with a ketchup dispensing belly button”

I’m not sure how that would help, but I know I’m bringing French fries to his next game.  

Score:

Game 1: She tried. Mike won.

Game 2: She tried harder. Mike still won.

Anna “Crappywriter” Hartley vs. Phil “Honeycomb” Holcombe

Hoping to overturn the male-dominant paradigm, Anna was the first girl to receive a diagonal slash on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Phil’s two-hand tango put her back on the sidelines with the other ladies.

When asked about his impressive showing in Round 1*, Phil skirted the subject,

“I’d prefer to talk about octopuses. Their feet are attached to their head. How weird is that?”

Future opponents beware: Do not trust Phil’s mental stability.

Score:
Game 1: 11-5, Phil

Game 2: 11-7, Phil

Now with part one of Round 1 over, the last 4 interns must compete for the final 2 spots in the semi-finals. Here are the match-ups:

Tyler “The Goon” Muldoon vs. Megan “Ed” McMahon

Player Bios:

NAME:  Tyler Muldoon

AGE:  21

HEIGHT: 6’0”

WEIGHT:  170

HOMETOWN: Lafayette Hill, PA

UNDERGRAD:  Temple University

MAJOR/MINOR:  Double Major – Marketing/Risk Management

AREA OF INTEREST IN ADVERTISING: Account Management

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO ADVERTISING:  A hardworking, dedicated attitude with an open mind to creative, new ideas.

FAVORITE AD/DESIGN:  Nike- “Just Do It” Campaign – It was one of my assignments in school to do a 10 page research paper on my favorite ad campaign.

FAVORITE INTERN “DUTY”:  Performing a top secret mission to 1900 Market Street to pick up a lost item and then being questioned as to whether I am the really the secret agent assigned to the job.

WHICH 160OVER90 EMPLOYEE DO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE WHEN YOU GROW UP*:  Jon Fruman – Jon came to my class and gave me a good sense of what 160over90 was all about and helped me set up my interview here [editors note: awwww].  Jon and I are also starting a ping pong rivalry in which my record is currently (0-1), unfortunately.

PERSONAL STRENGTHS: I actually have a light that emits from me that not only makes me a very productive person but also increases the efficiency of everyone around me.

PERSONAL WEAKNESSES:  I care too much….

Thoughts on Megan’s ping pong skills*: One word: “Pathetic.”

NAME: Megan McMahon

AGE: 21

HEIGHT: 5’3

WEIGHT: 120

HOMETOWN: Scranton, Pa

UNDERGRAD: Temple University

MAJOR/MINOR: Advertising

AREA OF INTEREST IN ADVERTISING: the PR that goes along with it!

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO ADVERTISING: everything

FAVORITE AD/DESIGN: Sony’s Bravia Paint Ad

FAVORITE INTERN “DUTY”: Having our own intern “white board” and beer Fridays.

WHICH 160OVER90 EMPLOYEE WOULD YOU NOMINATE TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT*: Ryan Brown… solely based on the glasses worn during the account management forum

PERSONAL STRENGTHS: optimism, dedicated and being creative.

PERSONAL WEAKNESSES:  my ocd.

Thoughts on Tyler’s intelligence*: “I think we all just ‘misunderestimate’ him.”

Liz “Thin Lizzy” Henry vs. Mike “Mad Dog” Medoro

Player Bios:

NAME: Liz Henry

AGE: 22

HEIGHT: 5’8”

WEIGHT: 130

HOMETOWN: Bryn Mawr, PA

UNDERGRAD: Denison University

MAJOR/MINOR: Communication/Psychology & Art history

AREA OF INTEREST IN ADVERTISING: Account Management

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO ADVERTISING: Speed & Agility

FAVORITE AD/DESIGN: Wendy’s “Where’s the beef?”

FAVORITE INTERN “DUTY”: Reading “Turkey Call” magazine for competitive research

WHICH 160OVER90 EMPLOYEE COULD YOU SEE HOSTING A CHILDREN’S TV SHOW, WHY*: Jon, because he always has marshmallows.

WHAT WOULD THE CELEBRITY NICKNAME BE FOR YOUR FAVORITE 160OVER90 EMPLOYEE COUPLE*: “Mr. Giruman” (for the Giroux/Fruman AE power team)

PERSONAL STRENGTHS: I’m a perfectionist.

PERSONAL WEAKNESSES: I’m a perfectionist.

Thoughts on Mike’s attitude around the agency*: “At this rate… [he] will be the first…to achieve world domination based solely on [his] ability to annoy everyone…”

NAME: Mike Medoro

AGE: Twenty-One 

HEIGHT: 5’ 11”

WEIGHT: 155

HOMETOWN: Williamstown, NJ

UNDERGRAD: Yes

MAJOR/MINOR: Interactive Media Design

AREA OF INTEREST IN ADVERTISING: Print and Web

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO ADVERTISING: A love and passion for good design.

FAVORITE AD/DESIGN: I love old Art Nouveau designs, pop-art, and clean/modern design ads. (e.g. Apple ads)

FAVORITE INTERN “DUTY”: Designing or HTML + CSS development.

PERSONAL STRENGTHS: Punctual, Self-Motivated, Meticulous.

PERSONAL WEAKNESSES: Quiet.

Thoughts on Liz’s unconventional tactics*: “[She is] a crazy drunk who can’t hold a job… [and an] insane manipulator who wishes she could be famous.”

After minutes, possibly even hours, of pouring their sweat and blood into training, the time has come for the interns to step into the Inferno.  Round 1 will be split into two weeks, beginning tomorrow, Friday, July 10^th, 2009 on the 160over90 ping pong table, with results to be reported in next week’s blog post. In this single elimination tournament, players must pull all the stops to ensure their bid to the championship, but please, leave the knee bashing to Tonya Harding.

Before making your bets, make sure to read up on the players competing this week, after the jump. We like our betters to be informed before they consent. Let the Inferno begin.

Play-in Round:

Phil “Honeycomb” Holcombe vs. Liz “Football Head” Arnold

Player Bios:

NAME: Phil Holcombe 

AGE: 21 

HEIGHT: 1859.28 mm

WEIGHT: 72574779.2 mg 

HOMETOWN: Bensalem, Pa 

UNDERGRAD: Rhode Island School of Design 

MAJOR/MINOR: Graphic Design 

AREA OF INTEREST IN ADVERTISING: Problem solving. I like the moment when you figure out what you’re going to do and I like the process of developing a system to execute it.  

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO ADVERTISING: A design background. Sometimes I have saltines.  

FAVORITE AD/DESIGN: It’s like asking me to pick a favorite child. Jenny. 

 FAVORITE INTERN “DUTY”: Bringing certain employees their keys when they arrive at their vehicle only to realize they can’t get inside of it.

IF YOU COULD HAVE THE WARDROBE OF ANY 160OVER90 EMPLOYEE, WHO WOULD IT BE*: Adam Flanagan.

PERSONAL STRENGTHS:  Well, I can go weeks without spending my change.

PERSONAL WEAKNESSES: The sound of nylon pants rubbing together. And I can’t get too close to pickles.

Thoughts on Liz’s future as a ping pong player*: “No one’s success is as dependent on their own failure as her. It’s like watching a plane crash. You don’t even want to look at her anymore, but you couldn’t stop if you tried.”

NAME: Liz Arnold

AGE: 1 score and 1 year ago…

HEIGHT: 1.73 meters

WEIGHT: 25 stones

HOMETOWN: Langhorne, PA

UNDERGRAD: University of Miami, the Florida version.

MAJOR/MINOR: Studying your brain to figure out how to make you buy stuff (Psychology/Advertising).

AREA OF INTEREST IN ADVERTISING: Copywriting and/or account planning.

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO ADVERTISING: Alliteration.

FAVORITE AD/DESIGN: Anything involving monkeys thinking they’re people (Career Builder, Arby’s), or babies acting like adults (Comcast, E*trade). Simple humor gets me every time.

FAVORITE INTERN “DUTY”:  Making flow charts and Venn diagrams that bring me back to 5^th grade, and the realization that my artistic abilities have not improved since then.

PERSONAL STRENGTHS: Carla Tate impressions, soft-shoe dancin’, the ability to watch many consecutive hours of terrible reality TV.

PERSONAL WEAKNESSES:  Sarah McLachlan SPCA commercials, estimating time and distance, naming the 50 states in less than 5 minutes.

Thoughts on Phil’s “stage presence”*: “A mongoose has more chivalry than he does. He looks like a Furby and his facial hair looks like a balding albino porcupine crawled across his face to take a nap.”

Anna “Crappywriter” Hartley vs. Winner of Play-in Round

Player Bio:

NAME: Anna Hartley

AGE: 23.315 years old

HEIGHT: 5’4”

WEIGHT: 7,000 dodrans

HOMETOWN: Palo Alto, CA

UNDERGRAD: University of Pennsylvania

MAJOR/MINOR: Comparative Literature & French (double major)

AREA OF INTEREST IN ADVERTISING: Copywriting

FAVORITE AD/DESIGN: Mr. W.; Mac vs. PC ads

FAVORITE INTERN “DUTY”: picking up stray ping-pong balls that bounce under my desk.

WHICH 160OVER90 EMPLOYEE WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE YOUR WINGMAN*: Ravioli Brown, because he brings CHC brochures with him when he goes bar-hopping so that he can snare the ladies with his modeling skillz. 

PERSONAL STRENGTHS: The ability to drink 32oz of coffee without getting the shakes.

PERSONAL WEAKNESSES: A mild phobia of displaying my lack of hand-eye coordination in public (i.e. ping pong); the occasional desire to say something punny.

Thoughts on Liz*: “You mean the half-woman, half-octopus featured on the cover of the National Enquirer?  One word: AWESOME.”

Thoughts on Phil’s freshly inked Inferno contract*: “The fact that he receives $65,000 per [match] is one of the most profoundly embarrassing facts of American entertainment culture.”

Sarah “The Riddler” Riddle vs. Mike “Suzuki Slim” Zwizanski

Player Bios:

NAME: Sarah Riddle

AGE: 22

HEIGHT: 5 foot 12

WEIGHT: 2080 ounces

HOMETOWN: Williamston, South Carolina

UNDERGRAD: Savannah College of Art and Design

MAJOR/MINOR: Advertising Design

AREA OF INTEREST IN ADVERTISING: Art Direction

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO ADVERTISING: Chocolate chip cookies and a passion for building forts.

FAVORITE AD/DESIGN: Mini cooper campaign

FAVORITE INTERN “DUTY”: Anything in the comp room

WHO IS YOUR 160OVER90 IDOL*:  Cory McCall because he reminds me of Bruce Springsteen.

PERSONAL STRENGTHS: I bake extremely delicious things that are really unhealthy but yummy. 

PERSONAL WEAKNESSES: I’m super forgetful. I have to carry pen and paper with me everywhere so I can make notes of things I need to remember. My hands are consistently covered with ink of important reminders. Sometimes I forget to breathe and then when I remember it feels like I just held my breath underwater for a minute or two.

Thoughts on her rumored romance with opponent Mike Z*: “[Not happening] He reminds me of someone I went to high school with, who I would ignore the calls of. And would hide my car behind a shed in my parents’ yard so that he would think I wasn’t home if he drove by.”

NAME: Mike Zwizanski

AGE: 34

HEIGHT: 5’9”

WEIGHT: 145

HOMETOWN: Ridley Park, PA

UNDERGRAD: Temple University

MAJOR/MINOR: Advertising

AREA OF INTEREST IN ADVERTISING: Account Management

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO ADVERTISING: Style and Substance

FAVORITE AD/DESIGN: VW Think Small

FAVORITE INTERN “DUTY”: Ping Pong Ball Boy

ARE YOU JEALOUS OF ANY OF THE 160OVER90 INTERNS, WHY*: Mad Dog. He has the best nick name.

PERSONAL STRENGTHS: Dreamweaving.

PERSONAL WEAKNESSES: Terrible at personal quizzes.

If Sarah’s back-hand was a fast food order, what would it be*: “[I would call it] a National Disgrace Jr. with cheese.”

*not the original question.

At the hour of 7 of the clock in the land where Libertines hail from a Northerly direction in Penn’s Green Country Towne of Philadelphia, the One Hundred and Sixty over Nine-Zero Table Tennis Battalion will battle wits and forehanded volleys with The Print Liberation Squadron. The victorious party will be the recipient of adulation, as well as three (3) hectares of land (non-marsh), a flagon on mead, and an unshorn male sheep. Much like Jason’s search for the Golden Fleece in order to restore legitimate rule to Iolcos, the participants in tonight’s inaugural match are determined to set a tone that will ring throughout the Piazza’s square.

––

The location: Print Liberation’s flagship store located in the Piazza in Northern Liberties

Look for an update following this evening’s shenanigans.

Thanks to Brendan Quinn for co-authoring this piece.

L to R: Brendan “The Mighty” Quinn, Ryan “R2B2″ Brown, Darryl “The Kid” Cilli, Chris Van Awesome (photo by Tom Ammon)

::

Behold the Official, Fully Sanctioned, Legally Binding, FDA Approved, Confidential and Proprietary, Signed Sealed and Delivered 160ver90 Table Tennis Team.

We have a big — nay, huge — match against A Team That Shall Remain Nameless*, who will be on the business end of a full bore Cat o’ Nine Tails whupping this Friday.  Meanwhile, the rest of our colleagues will be spectating, hooting, hollering, and popping Chex Mix and IPAs in their gullets as part of our weekly Beer Friday festivities.

In preparation for this epic tussle, the 160 Squad has been on a training bender that is ready-made for an 80s movie montage. So cue up the Survivor and take a gander at our training journal:

5:45 AM: Wake up

5:47 AM: Drink pint glass of fresh water buffalo blood

6: 00 AM: Run to Italian Market, use nearest animal carcass as speed bag

6:45 – 9 AM: Arrive at agency, play Ping Pong against one another

9AM – 12:30 PM: Advertise our asses off

12:30 PM: Eat entire tray of lasagna as lunchtime carb loading

1 PM: Belch loudly

1:01 PM: Post lunch/belch Ping Pong game

1:15 – 6:30 PM: Make bushels of money for our clients

6:31 – 9:30 PM: Ping Pong drills, practice and round robin tournaments

9:30 PM: Focused trash-talking drills with mutually agreed upon motif (i.e. “You’re momma is so fat…”)

9:45 PM: Dinner of Wild Boar, accompanied by intra-squad noogie session

10 – 11:45 PM: More Ping Pong, with the day’s poorest playing team member receiving brief waterboarding as penance

Midnight: Return home and continue vow of celibacy, following Mickey Goldmill‘s mantra of “Women Weaken Legs”

Next day: Lather, rinse, repeat.

* full disclosure: we don’t know their name. Or anything about them. Or if they’ll show up. But they’re real. Mike Park said so.

::

This is an official decree by the Table Tennis Players Associated with 160over90 (TTPA160o90). We would like to issue an official challenge to any agency, after-school club, or daycare attendant who would like to challenge our top four table tennis players. This is not to be taken lightly, only serious inquiries accepted. If you believe that you have four players better equipped, more agile, and who can name — from memory — the Table Tennis World Cup champions from 1976-2008 then email us at: challengeus@160over90.com

Some have questioned the TTPA160o90′s ability; they have been tested and have been defeated. As part of our commitment to the game we even offer some after-work tutoring sessions (not really). Because at the end of the day TTPA160o90′s dedicated to the advancement of the game and the betterment of the player. This has earned them a Nobel nomination for Gaming Awesomeness.

Here’s a look at our match vs. Temple Drama.

Zoran Primorac Zoran was born in the Croation city of Zadar, and began playing table tennis at a club there as a youth. His next major accomplishment was in 1987, when at the age of 18, he won silver in the World Championship in New Delhi. The following year he took silver in the Olympics. In the 1992 Summer Olympics, Primorac took 9th place in men’s doubles and singles, and did the same in the ’96 Olympics. In the 2002 World Championship, he reached the semi-finals only to be defeated by his former teammate, Jean-Michel Saive, of Belgium (next week’s Showcase!). Zoran uses a specially designed blade, made by Butterfly Table Tennis. It’s called the “Primorac Carbon.” Zoran Primorac plans on retiring after this year’s Olympic Games. Godspeed, Zoran. Godspeed.

Gao Jun

Gao Jun is a world-champion table tennis player currently living in Gaithersburg, Maryland. She transplanted with her husband, Frank, to the US from China in 1994, and began playing the U.S. teams. Gao Jun’s father got her started playing ping pong when she was five, and she’s 38 now. That equals 33 years of ass-kicking pongness.

She’s representing the United States in the Beijing Olympics.

Good luck, Gao Jun. Good luck.

Here’s a slideshow and feature on NBC Olympics site.