SummaryIn this episode of the Spin City Podcast, host Ibrahima Diaw and co-host Marcos Madrid welcome Quadri Aruna, a prominent figure in professional table tennis. They discuss Aruna's journey from playing on the streets of Nigeria to becoming a top-ranked player, his experiences in international tournaments, and the challenges faced by African athletes in securing support and funding. The conversation also touches on the evolution of table tennis organizations, the financial struggles players encounter, and the importance of giving back to the community. Aruna shares his insights on the future of table tennis in Africa and offers advice for young athletes striving to succeed in the sport.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Quadri Aruna02:14 Early Beginnings in Table Tennis05:18 Transition to Competitive Play07:55 The Rise of Table Tennis in Nigeria10:22 Challenges Facing Nigerian Table Tennis12:18 Moving to Europe and Professional Growth16:01 First World Cup Experience19:29 The Rise of Aruna Quadri20:52 The Cost of Competing: A Changing Landscape22:37 The Impact of Financial Barriers on African Players23:33 Adapting and Improving: The Art of Match Play26:58 Moments of Glory: The Rio Olympics Experience29:39 Transformations After Success: A New Chapter32:15 Giving Back: Building Future Generations32:42 Challenges Facing African Table Tennis37:37 The State of African Table Tennis: A Call for Change37:59 High Altitudes and Performance Challenges39:26 Legal Battles in Table Tennis43:12 The Financial Struggles of Professional Players48:08 The Need for Change in Table Tennis Governance50:54 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons55:18 New Chapter