At just 15 years old, Shatal Charles, a table tennis prodigy from Saint Lucia, is making waves in the international sports arena. Originally from Vieux Fort and now residing in Anse La Raye, Charles is set to take a monumental step toward her dream of becoming an Olympian. From December 3 to 11, she will participate in the prestigious ITTF Global Youth Training Camp in Chengdu, China, as one of only nine athletes selected from the Americas and the sole representative from the Caribbean among 42 participants. This opportunity follows her recent accolade as Saint Lucia’s Female Student Athlete of the Year for 2024. Charles’ journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. She recently dominated the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) championships in Grenada, where she remained unbeaten in the team competition and secured a silver medal in women’s singles. Her stellar performance also earned her the MVP title. Earlier this year, Charles clinched multiple victories, including three categories at the Independence Day Classic Table Tennis Championships and titles in both the Under-15 and Under-19 divisions at the LQ Classic Junior Table Tennis Tournament in Grenada. Her partnership with Leshon Francis has also been fruitful, as the duo claimed a mixed doubles bronze at the Caribbean Youth Championships in Barbados. Charles’ rapid ascent in the sport is a testament to her dedication and resilience. Introduced to table tennis just four years ago by her physical education teacher, Cuthbert Popo, she has since honed her skills under the guidance of coach Chris Wells. Despite her young age, Charles has already achieved significant milestones, including Caribbean and OECS titles. Beyond her athletic prowess, Charles is a determined individual with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. She balances her rigorous training schedule with her academic pursuits and personal interests, such as watching superhero movies. Reflecting on her journey, Charles shared, ‘Table tennis is what keeps me calm. It makes me happy. I really love it. Trying to reach my goal, you know, setting a goal that I want to reach.’ Her unwavering mentality and commitment to constant improvement have set her apart, even when competing against world-ranked players. As she prepares for the ITTF camp, Charles remains focused on her ultimate goal: representing Saint Lucia on the Olympic stage before her 20th birthday. Her story is still unfolding, but it is clear that Shatal Charles is destined for greatness.