在今年的巴黎奥运会上，除了为国争光的奥运健儿外，还有另外一个我们熟悉的身影活跃在奥运赛场上——巴西籍海洋学家Nico Caltabiano博士。此次亮相，他有了一个新身份——巴黎奥运会乒乓球比赛裁判！

2014年至2017年间，Nico在“气候和海洋：变率、变化及可预测性（CLIVAR）”国际项目办公室先后担任高级项目官员和代理主任，专注于国际气候研究的协调工作。该项目办公室在2014年至2023年期间由我所承办，是第一个由欧美以外的科研院所承办的世界气候研究计划（WCRP）国际项目办公室。

在青岛的这段岁月里，Nico不仅与我所同事们建立了深厚的科研合作关系，还常常活跃于我所运动场，通过体育运动与众人结下了不解之缘。之后，Nico加入了世界气象组织旗下的世界气候研究计划和世界天气研究计划，继续为全球气候变化研究的协调贡献力量。这是他始终坚定投入的事业。

Nico Caltabiano（右一）在海洋一所

在繁忙的科学工作之余，Nico培养了一项令人意想不到的兴趣——乒乓球裁判。最初，他只是为儿子的比赛计分，然而这份简单的爱好却逐渐发展成为了一项严肃而专注的追求。如今，他的不懈努力终于收获了丰硕的果实，有幸被选为巴黎奥运会的裁判团队成员。

在8月4日的乒乓球男单决赛中，中国选手樊振东以4:1的比分力克瑞典名将特鲁斯·莫雷高德，勇夺个人首枚奥运男单金牌。而Nico正是这场巅峰对决中的两位裁判之一。他凭借专业的知识和冷静的表现赢得了大家的高度认可。他身上的这种严谨认真、细致专注的优良品格值得我们每个人学习。

Nico的跨界之旅充分展示了热爱与坚持的力量。无论是在海洋科研领域还是乒乓球裁判席上，他都以专业的态度和不懈的努力赢得了人们的尊敬和赞誉。

Nico Caltabiano（左一）执裁巴黎奥运会乒乓球男单决赛

From Oceanography to Olympic Glory: FIO former employee Nico Caltabiano's Unique Journey

Nico Caltabiano, an oceanographer works for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), made waves in an entirely different field at the Paris Olympics this year—umpiring table tennis. Nico's transition from the depths of the ocean to the fast-paced world of table tennis officiating is as inspiring as it is unexpected.

Nico Caltabiano (left) at the Men’s Singles gold medal match

During 2014 to 2017, Nico served at the International CLIVAR Project Office, which was hosted by the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO) in Qingdao, China in 2014-2023, first time for a World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) project office to be located in a developing country. It was here that Nico developed a close connection with the FIO community not only in science but also in sports, as a regular of the institute's playground. Nico then joined the WCRP and later the World Weather Research Programme, both under the WMO. His work in these roles has been instrumental in coordinating global research efforts on climate change—a cause he remains deeply committed to.

Nico Caltabiano (right) at FIO

Yet, amidst his demanding scientific career, Nico nurtured a surprising passion: table tennis umpiring. What began as a simple act of keeping score at his son's tournaments gradually evolved into a serious pursuit. This year, his dedication culminated in a remarkable achievement—being selected as one of the officials at the Paris Olympics. Nico’s role as one of the two umpires in the Men’s Singles gold medal match highlighted his expertise and composure under pressure.