After an eight-year hiatus, Ye Shiwen, aged 28, is set to compete for the Chinese national swimming team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Securing her qualification in late April marks a significant return to the Olympic arena, where she previously dazzled the world.
Ye Shiwen first captured global attention at the 2012 London Games, where, at just 16 years old, she clinched gold in both the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley events. Her remarkable performance established her as one of China's premier swimmers.
However, four years later in Rio de Janeiro, Ye faced one of her career's toughest challenges. She narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the 200-meter individual medley and failing to reach the final in the 400-meter event. This setback led Ye to take a step back from competitive swimming.
During her time away from the pool, Ye pursued academic interests, enrolling as a full-time student at Tsinghua University Law School in 2017, from which she graduated this year. This period of growth and reflection allowed Ye to mature both mentally and physically, preparing her for a comeback.
\"I think I gave a 100 percent effort there,\" Ye told China Media Group (CMG). \"I wasn't in my best form, either physically or mentally, before the final. It took me a long time to adjust my mindset.\"
Ye's return to competitive swimming in 2019 was marked by a refreshed perspective and determination. As she gears up for Paris 2024, fans and fellow athletes alike watch with anticipation to see how this mature and resilient champion will perform on the world stage once again.
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After 8 years, a more mature Ye Shiwen heads back to Summer Olympics
cgtn.com
