Kimie Bessho

Kimie Bessho (born 8 December 1947) is a Japanese para table tennis player who competes in international level events. She was a bronze medallist at the 2014 Asian Para Games and has participated at the Summer Paralympics four times, she was also one of the oldest participants to compete at the 2016 Summer Paralympics aged 68 years old. She is often known to wear butterfly hairclips as a superstition for her tournament matches.[1][2]

Kimie Bessho
Bessho at 2006 World Championships
Personal information
Nickname(s)Shiny
Born (1947-12-08) 8 December 1947
Hiroshima, Japan
ResidenceAkashi, Japan
Height1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
Weight53 kg (117 lb)
Sport
Country Japan
SportPara table tennis
Disability classC5
ClubDomani Table Tennis Club
Medal record
Para table tennis
Representing  Japan
Asian Championships
2017 BeijingWomen's singles C5
2009 AmmanWomen's singles C5
Asian Para Games
2014 IncheonWomen's singles C5

When Bessho was 39, her husband passed away from a short illness and two years later, she was diagnosed with cancer and had to use a wheelchair indefinitely after two operations. Bessho began playing table tennis at the age of 45 after being fascinated by the sport and made her debut appearance at the 2004 Summer Paralympics finishing in fifth place.[3]

References
  1. "Kimie Bessho - IPTTF Profile". International Para Table Tennis Federation. 8 August 2020.
  2. "Table Tennis - Kimie Bessho". The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Centre. 8 August 2020.
  3. "Japan's oldest athlete brings her best to the table". Asia One. 14 September 2016.
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