A rising young table tennis talent from the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia is writing a unique cross-cultural athletic story in Taipei, Taiwan. Twenty-year-old Joshua Lubin, a native of the Saint Lucian communities of Dennery and Entrepot, recently wrapped up a comprehensive two-month training block at Taipei’s Nangang Senior High School, building on his new chapter of athletic and academic growth that began when he arrived in Taiwan in summer 2025.
This valuable training opportunity was made possible through the coordination of local Taiwanese sports agent Tony Chiang Lin, with additional backing from the Embassy of Saint Lucia in Taiwan. Over the course of eight weeks, Lubin logged more than 80 hours of court time training alongside the school’s promising young table tennis squad, refining his technical skills and competitive instincts in a disciplined, supportive training environment.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Lubin is also laying the groundwork for an academic future in Taiwan: he is currently enrolled in Mandarin language courses at Ming Chuan University, preparing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and food nutrition. A former national under-19 table tennis champion in his home country, Lubin has maintained his focus on competitive training even as he balances his language studies and academic preparation.
Reflecting on his training experience, Lubin emphasized the lasting impact of his time at Nangang Senior High School. As the only long-term foreign athlete in the program, he noted that the welcoming atmosphere created by local players and staff made his integration seamless. “During my time there, I focused on developing my table tennis skills, gaining valuable experience, and building friendships with players and coaches,” he said. “The atmosphere was great, especially as the only foreigner among them for such a long time.”
Lubin repeatedly highlighted the warmth and generosity extended to him throughout his stay. “I was impressed by the kindness and respect shown to me by both the players and coaching staff,” he shared. “The coaches and players consistently made me feel welcome and were always willing to offer assistance whenever I needed help.”
For Lubin, the training camp delivered far more than just athletic improvement. The daily interactions with his Taiwanese teammates and coaches gave him a firsthand, deep look into local culture and the traditional hospitality of the Taiwanese people. “The experience not only contributed significantly to my athletic development but also allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for Taiwanese culture and hospitality through my daily interactions with the team,” he explained.
To mark the end of his training stint and express his gratitude, Lubin presented personalized tokens of appreciation to the program’s head coach, assistant coaches, and all 30 of his training teammates on Wednesday, June 3. As he moves forward with his language studies and continues to pursue both academic and athletic goals in Taiwan, the experience at Nangang Senior High School will remain a foundational step in his journey as an athlete and global citizen.