Spritely 83-year-old Peter Muller ready to represent WA in the national table tennis championships in Darwin

Albany table tennis guru Peter Muller says passion for the sport and a determination to stay fit and active has helped him secure State honours at the age of 83. The well-known sports lover will again represent WA as he chases medal success at the 2022 National Veterans Championships in the Northern Territory next week. Muller was the president and head coach of the Albany Table Tennis Club for 28 years and has represented WA on multiple occasions previously. He plays twice a week with the local club and has a specialised ball machine set up at his home to hone his skills and “keep the legs ticking over”. The machine spits out balls at different speeds, angles and numbers according to what you want to train for and Muller usually makes about 100 returns until he is out of puff. “This keeps me going,” Muller said. “Once your legs go then you are in trouble. It has really helped that I’ve kept actively playing table tennis and tennis among other things like athletics over the years. “I’ve always tried to keep playing sport because I have got enjoyment out of it. “I love table tennis and my theory in life is stay active and involved for as long as you can.” He will compete in Darwin at this year’s national championships from October 8-15 after his strong recent display at the State championships. Muller finished third in the over-75 singles and fourth in the over-80 singles to secure his place on the WA team. At the national championships Muller will play in the over-80s team event while also competing in singles and doubles in both the over-75 and over-80 age categories. “I’ve been going for years and years,” the 83-year-old said. “I missed the last three years with COVID, two were cancelled and I didn’t want to go to Victoria. “I’ll do my best but it is always a very strong competition. “For me it’s not all about winning, it’s about going away and catching up with people and the comradery.” Muller did 22 years as president and coach at Carlisle before he moved to Albany but after half a century in leadership roles he decided it was time to step back. However, Muller said he gets great satisfaction out of seeing how the Albany club has grown and has no plans to give up the bat and ball just yet.