While almost no one speaks Latin anymore, almost everyone knows Caesar's boast after the Battle of Zela in 47 BCE: "Veni, vidi, vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered). Fast-forward to modern times and we generally find much more peaceful contests. Yesterday, in the Germanic land whence came the Goths and Vandals who sacked Rome 16 centuries ago, another band of warriors completed their conquest of Berlin. The occasion was the 2021 ITTF Parkinson's World Championships. Two years after the inaugural Parkinson's World Championships were held in Pleasantville, New York, the second edition ran from Thursday to Saturday in the Horst-Korber-Sportzentrum Berlin. While the maiden voyage attracted 61 players from 12 nations, this year's tournament hosted a whopping 135 participants from 21 nations. With more players, there is naturally stiffer competition. 2019 Women's Singles Class 1 gold medalist Margie Alley of New York settled for silver, overpowered in the final by England's Jan Fuller, (14-12, 11-8, 11-7). Of course, every "Parkinson's warrior" deserves recognition for their heroic journey simply to participate in the event. There was one player in particular, however, who deserved an award regardless of how he played. Croatian-American composer and peace activist Nenad Bach (pictured, right) founded Ping Pong Parkinson, the original table tennis therapy group for those like him suffering from Parkinson's Disease, in 2017. Within two years, Bach had sparked a worldwide phenomenon, culminating in the first Parkinson's World Championships at New York's Westchester Table Tennis Center. Now that his brainchild has taken on a life of its own, Bach was able to participate in the joyous event he created. Bach partnered with England's George Chan (left) to win the Men’s Doubles Class 2 gold medal. In a thrilling contest, Bach and Chan battled back from 2-1 down against Scott Stielstra and Jörgen Sjostedt of Sweden to claim the championship, (11-3, 8-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9). "We both enjoyed it very much," said Chan. "It’s the first time we have played together. I think we have similar styles." The multi-talented Bach is a warrior for peace, having famously used the power of music to bring healing to his war-torn Balkan homeland in the 1990s. Lacking Caesar's belligerent nature, Bach might have to update the famous boast along these lines: "Creavi, veni, vidi, pugnavi apud virum bellatorem de Anglia, et vicimus." (I created, I came, I saw, I fought with a warrior from England, and we conquered.)

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