Meet Zeng Zhiying from China known as ‘Olympic Grandmother’, Who Makes Stunning Debut at Paris Olympics 2024 At 58
First Published: 2nd August, 2024 14:42 IST
Zhiying’s journey to the Olympics is a story of passion, setbacks, and an inspiring comeback.
Proving the proverb that “Its never too late to follow your dreams”, table tennis player from China Zeng Zhiying has achieved what many thought impossible. At the age of 58, Zhiying has made her debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, representing Chile in table tennis.
On July 30, she faced Lebanon’s Mariana Sahakian, however lost 4-1 to Sahakian in the preliminary round, but the ‘Olympic Grandmother’ still inspired many.
Zhiying’s journey to the Olympics is a story of passion, setbacks, and an inspiring comeback.
Who is Zeng Zhiying?
Born in Foshan, southern China, Zeng Zhiying was on track to compete for China as one of the top players in the world at the age of 18. However, a major change in the sport switching from two-sided paddles to one-sided ones disrupted her sport. Frustrated by her inability to adapt and make the team, Zhiying retired from competitive play at 20 years old.
After her retirement, Zhiying shifted to Chile, where she coached various table tennis teams. In 2000, seeking a more stable career, she stepped away from the sport to pursue a “real job,” leaving her table tennis dreams behind.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, rekindled her passion. With extra time on her hands, Zhiying purchased a table and began playing again, setting herself a new goal to compete in the 2024 Olympics, but this time representing Chile. Her determination and hard work paid off, and she achieved her dream, making an unforgettable Olympic debut at 58.
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