Santa Cruz woman aims for 2028 Paralympics in table tennis
By Jacquelyn Quinones
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SANTA CRUZ, California (KSBW) — A 78-year-old Santa Cruz resident is determined to compete in the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, aiming to become the oldest Paralympian and medalist in table tennis.
Cyndi Ranii, who ranks 23rd in the world for women in wheelchairs in table tennis, has been wheelchair-bound since 2005 due to transverse myelitis, which left her with no feeling or motion below the chest.
“Virtually overnight, I went from playing golf and being very active at work and at home to being in the emergency room with really terrible back pain,” Ranii said.
After her diagnosis, she immediately sought rehabilitation and was introduced to wheelchair sports, eventually finding joy and recovery in table tennis.
“One thing really great about wheelchair athletics, at least for me, when I’m playing wheelchair table tennis, I don’t have any feeling like I’m in a chair, like I have any disability at all,” she said.
Ranii has been competing in tournaments for about ten years, including the Parapan American Games, where she has won several medals.
She is now pushing harder to qualify for the Olympic Games, which requires participating in the World Championship in 2026 in Thailand and the Pan American Games in 2027 in Chile.
Ranii practices regularly with friends, including Liz DeFrancesco, whose late husband was a fellow competitor.
“Sebastian was in the USA Hall of Fame of table tennis for all athletes, wheelchair and able-bodied, and so I feel like continuing to play, I always feel his spirit,” DeFrancesco said.
Despite the challenges, Ranii remains committed to her training.
“I practice every day if my health is good… sometimes there’s ups and downs at my age and with my situation. I sometimes have health setbacks, but the focus is always getting strong again, getting stamina back again, getting practice going again,” she said.
Ranii needs to reach the top 16 in world rankings to qualify for the Paralympics, and she plans to continue competing and training over the next two years.
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