Australia's new table tennis queen Yangzi Liu will be barred from competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a change to the sport's citizenship eligibility rules.
Liu on Sunday claimed bronze to become the first Australian to win a medal in women's singles at the Commonwealth Games.
It capped a remarkable debut Games for the 20-year-old, who also won bronze in the women's teams event.
But any hope of a repeat effort in Paris in two years time appears forlorn.
"Because there's rules there for table tennis (at the Olympics), I have to wait for a while after I get my citizenship," Liu said.
"We're still working on it so not 100 per cent sure.
"Maybe I have to wait a few more years before I can play Olympics and World Cups and World Championships."
In May 2018, the International Table Tennis Federation adopted a new policy regarding switched allegiances for its members, implementing waiting periods for players who had secured citizenship of a new country.
It applies to Olympic and Paralympic Games and all World Title events.
Liu was 17 when she became an Australian citizen in March 2020, having arrived from China the previous year.
Regarding players attaining new nationalities, the ITTF rules state:
"Such players shall not represent the new association for five years after the date of registration, if the players are under the age of 18 when registered but at least 15 years of age when registered."
That rule would rule Liu ineligible until March 2025 - nine months after the Paris Olympics.
Had Liu not secured citizenship before her 18th birthday in June 2020, she would have been forced into a seven-year wait.
"At this point, yes she can't compete. There's still some rule verifications pending," national head coach John Murphy told AAP.
"She will be able to eventually - whether it's Paris or LA (in 2028), it's definitely one of the two.
"Obviously the longer term goal is Brisbane (2032 Olympics).
"For the Commonwealth Games it's open - once you're a citizen you can play - that used to be the rule also for Olympic Games.
"She's only 20, we're taking it one step at a time. She will eventually be an Olympian - whether it's Paris or LA it's yet to be completely confirmed."
Liu said she would compete in several events around Europe before returning home from the Birmingham Games.
