In an inspiring turn of events, Zeng Zhiying, a former table tennis player from the Chinese mainland, is set to make her Olympic debut at the age of 58, representing Chile in the 2024 Paris Games. Her remarkable journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
During an interview with CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi, Zeng expressed her excitement about competing on the Olympic stage for the first time. \"Very exciting. This is my first Olympics, so I feel very happy and excited,\" she shared. Zeng emphasized that age is just a number when it comes to competition. \"There's no difference among ages in competitions. You'll face whoever you're against, no matter the age. I don't feel I'm much older than them. We are equal on either side of the table,\" she added.
Zeng's journey in table tennis began at the age of 16 when she joined the Chinese national team. However, the intense competition within the team limited her opportunities to participate in the Olympics. After retiring as a player at 20, Zeng moved to Chile to serve as a table tennis coach, where she continued to nurture her love for the sport.
Her return to competitive play came during the COVID-19 pandemic, and at 57, she was selected for the Chilean national team. Balancing training with daily life, Zeng dedicates her weekdays to rigorous training sessions and competes in matches on weekends. \"I train around three hours a day and play both amateur and professional matches. The reason why I take part in competitions is that I'm happy to play them and put pressure on myself, so I'll continue playing,\" she explained.
Zeng Zhiying's story is not just about athletic achievement but also about breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of age or circumstances. As she prepares to compete in Paris, her dedication continues to resonate with many aspiring athletes and global citizens alike.
Reference(s):
Former Chinese paddler excited to make Olympic debut at 58 for Chile
cgtn.com
