At 35 years old, Chinese veteran shot putter Gong Lijiao is gearing up for her fifth Summer Olympics in Paris. With a career spanning over two decades, Gong is one of the world's most-decorated track and field athletes.
Gong secured her Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021, throwing a personal best of 20.58 meters after the pandemic-delayed event. Prior to her Tokyo triumph, she achieved third, second, and fourth place finishes in Beijing, London, and Rio de Janeiro respectively.
\"When I threw 20.53 meters, I knew that I would win the title,\" Gong shared with China Media Group. \"After that, I felt such a relief and aimed for 21 meters.\"
Ahead of this season's winter training, German coach Dieter Kollark resumed his role, creating detailed training plans for Gong via the internet. Since June, Gong has increased her workload, enhancing her skills, flexibility, muscle energy, and maintaining a peaceful mindset.
This season, Gong's top throw has been 19.72 meters, ranking her seventh in the world and just behind compatriot Song Jiayuan, among the top shot putters who have all surpassed the 20-meter mark. Gong has moved to Germany to train with Kollark and will compete in several events as part of her pre-Olympic preparation.
\"I'm at a different age, but I still have the same goal, which is, as always, to win the title and to surpass my best record,\" Gong affirmed.
Reference(s):
Five Olympic Games, five Olympic Rings mark Gong Lijiao's dream
cgtn.com
