Table tennis athlete seeks unprecedented title at JUBs: Get to know Lhays Stolarski's story and her path to the top

Table tennis athlete seeks unprecedented title at the Brazilian University Games (JUBs)

Lhays Stolarski, a 21-year-old Physical Education student and table tennis athlete, is competing in the current edition of the Brazilian University Games (JUBs). Born in Joinville, she is looking to win the tournament's first title, after coming second last year. Lhays is confident and has been training hard since the beginning of the year. She believes that the tournament will be of a high standard, with the participation of other players who have already been part of the Brazilian national team. Coach Bruno Costa commented on her career and considers her one of the favourites for the title.

Future goals and JUB experience

As well as going for the JUB title, Lhays has her sights set on making the Brazilian adult team. She is determined to achieve this goal and continues to train intensively. Furthermore, in the future, when she can no longer compete, she intends to become a table tennis coach. Her participation in the JUBs in Joinville is already special for her, as she had the honour of parading with the torch and lighting the pyre during the Games' opening ceremony.

Lhays also recently represented Brazil at the World University Championships in Chengdu, China. She described the experience as indescribable and unique, and highlighted the presence of athletes from various parts of Brazil and even from other countries.

The Brazilian University Games (JUBs)

The JUBs are considered the biggest university sports event in Latin America, and are in their 70th edition this year. The tournament brings together more than 5,000 athletes from 320 higher education institutions, representing Brazil's 27 university federations. The competitions include sports such as judo, karate, Olympic wrestling, tennis, table tennis, chess, basketball, futsal and volleyball, among others. The Games take place until 21 October at various venues in Joinville, such as Expoville, Centreventos Cau Hansen, Ivo Varella Training Centre, Mário Timm Municipal Sports Gymnasium, Abel Schulz Gymnasium, Univille, Associação Atlética Tupy and Joinville Tennis Club.