SummaryIn this episode of the Spin City Podcast, host Ibrahima Jau and co-host Marcos Madrid welcome Portuguese table tennis star João Geraldo. They discuss João's recent season, the importance of team spirit, and his experiences at the World Championships. João shares insights on preparation, the impact of COVID-19 on his career, and the dynamics of racket selection. The conversation also touches on the differences between best of five and best of seven formats, as well as the challenges players face with changing conditions in table tennis. In this conversation, João Geraldo shares his journey as a table tennis player, discussing the importance of practice, the impact of suffering on growth, and the challenges faced within the WTT system. He reflects on his experiences during the Olympics, the complexities of team selection, and offers advice for young athletes aspiring to excel in sports. The discussion highlights the significance of early commitment to sports and the need for a supportive environment for athletes.INSIDE THE RACKET : https://hotmart.com/en/marketplace/products/inside-the-racket/K99726140D?fbclid=PAdGRleAMyYIdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp4YmcPzCvMkf20Q8LN42FjeRjOuEWmU-2bL5p4baM5uDpo2UQrgMCwDVrs4c_aem_TEAZJzfT_N-ZcgGnrdGumwChapters00:00 Introduction to Spin City Podcast and Guest Introduction02:33 João Geraldo's Season Overview and Team Dynamics05:13 Differences in Performance: League vs. World Tournaments07:44 Mindset and Preparation for World Championships10:17 Draw Timing and Its Impact on Players13:04 Best of Five vs. Best of Seven: A Discussion15:48 João Geraldo's Experience Against Top Players18:42 Inside the Racket: João Geraldo's New Project21:03 Changing Rackets and Materials in Table Tennis23:34 The Mentality of Professional Players and Coaches32:57 Adapting to Changing Conditions41:12 The Impact of COVID-19 on Performance50:47 Navigating the New WTT System54:29 Olympic Aspirations and Internal Competition58:27 Navigating Coaching Changes for the Olympics01:00:49 Olympic Experience: Highs and Lows01:03:12 World Championships: Politics and Location Choices01:05:40 The Decline of Doubles in Table Tennis01:07:58 The Impact of the Olympics on Player Dynamics01:13:34 Career Reflections and Advice for Young Athletes01:20:24 NEWCHAPTER