By Declan Donohue
Five Dock’s Domremy College is celebrating one of its brightest talents this year: 16‑year‑old Year 11 student and table tennis star, Chloe Cheng.
Ranked an impressive eighth in New South Wales’ Open Women’s division, Cheng’s rapid ascent in the sport is remarkable for someone her age.
In May, she clinched the title at the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Conference 2 Table Tennis Championship, earning her spot in the Sydney-wide SCS Table Tennis Championship Finals this June at the Sydney Olympic Park, Sports Halls.
Her success at the school level dovetails with her national breakthrough: in 2025, Cheng secured selection in Table Tennis Australia’s Under‑19 Women’s team for both the ITTF Oceania Senior Championships and the ITTF Oceania Junior Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, later this year.
“Watching my brother practice first sparked my interest,” Cheng explains of her introduction to table tennis.
“I found the speed and strategy fascinating.” Encouraged by her brother’s coach, who first noticed her natural talent, she began to train seriously at age 13.
Cheng’s résumé already boasts significant highlights: competing in the 2024 Australian Olympic qualifiers at Ballarat, reaching the mixed‑doubles semifinals at the 2023 World Table Tennis Youth Contender in Darwin, and earning second place in the 2023 Oceania Championship, which qualified her for the World Youth Championship.
Yet the journey has not been without challenges. “My toughest battle has been with anxiety and pressure,” Cheng admits.
After a slump in form, she took a week off to recharge—a decision that revitalised her passion. “A week without training felt like the maximum I could handle. I returned refreshed and improved little by little.”
Her typical training regimen is rigorous: Monday to Friday, 6 pm–9 pm; Saturday sessions of three-plus hours; and occasional rest on Sundays.
Balancing this with schoolwork often requires late‑night study sessions in the library and diligent catch‑up during travel, thanks to the support of Domremy College’s teachers and principal.
“My family has been my rock,” Cheng says. “They never pressure me, my motivation comes from within.”
She credits her coaches for refining her technique and her school for accommodating her academic needs when she’s overseas.
Looking ahead, Cheng aims to finish top two in next year’s Under‑19 Oceania Championship to secure another World Youth Championship berth.
“My dream is to make the 2028 Olympics,” she declares. “It will be a hard journey, but I believe in hard work and passion.”
Her advice to young athletes? “Start now and believe in yourself. It’s never too late. Enjoy the process and stay committed—your dreams are worth the effort.”