Ed Smith/BBC
Edna Fletcher won medals all over the world during a career that spanned decades.
A table tennis champion who fell in love with the sport as a teenager during World War II has spoken about how at 99 years old, he still has the same passion for the game and plays it every day.
Edna Fletcher, from Gorleston, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was just 15 when she first picked up a bat at her church-run youth club.
Since then, she has traveled the world, won medals and trophies, coached generations of young players and helped run local leagues.
“People call me the golden girl of table tennis so I have a lot of expectations to live up to,” she said.
“Like a duck to water”
After nearly 70 years of playing, Fletcher reluctantly began to slow down after needing a second hip replacement in his mid-80s.
Thinking back to when she first started playing, she said she always loved sports.
“I loved ball games at school – lawn tennis, hockey, rounders – so maybe I had an eye for the ball. [table tennis] “It's like a duck to water,” she added.
“I like the social aspect. When you play on a team you're playing against other teams and you're always meeting different people.”
Becoming coach to the royal family
She went on to become World and European singles champion, qualified as a coach and passed on her skills to children up to her great-grandchildren.
“I loved coaching young people and my greatest joy was seeing the players I coached win tournaments,” she said.
“They'll say, 'Edna, I lost,' and I'll say, 'You had to wait until you were 75 to beat me.'
She even offered her coaching skills to the King, who was then the Prince of Wales, when she was awarded an MBE in 2006.
“When he said he'd never played, I wagged my index finger at him,” she said.
“I said, 'Next time you come to Caister to visit the Prince's Trust, ask them to call me and I'll give you some guidance'.”
“She did the same thing as Edna.”
She agreed that the pace of the game was incredibly fast and noticed a change in the game when she watched the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“I liked to read the opponent's play and figure out how to play. It all came down to brain and footwork. I was very good with my feet.”
“It's all about attacking now.
“I was watching the Paralympians and I thought she wasn't changing her game. [to the TV] “She's been like Edna with you. A change of pace.”
She still plays daily with friends at nearby Ormesby St Margaret's and is chairman of the Great Yarmouth and District League, cheering on the players every week.
“I'm still very involved. I had to become secretary this year to keep the team in the league so my administrative skills have come in handy there,” she said.
“Keeping your mind active and young will keep your body active.
“There are loads of clubs out there. My daughter used to play at one of the over-60s clubs but I think she gave it up to take up bowling.”
