Ever heard of turning lemons into lemonade? 🍋 That's exactly what China's triple jump sensation, Zhu Yaming, is doing with his injuries!
After clinching a historic silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021—China's first in the men's triple jump—Zhu didn't stop there. One year later, he bounded his way to a bronze at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. 🌟
\"I've trained with athletes from around the world and realized we're just as awesome as they are,\" Zhu told China Media Group (CMG). \"In some areas, we're even better!\" 💪
Jumping 17.57 meters in Tokyo, Zhu originally felt he could've soared further. But looking back, he now sees that day as a perfect Olympic moment. \"It was an amazing experience for me,\" he reflected.
Turning 30 this May, Zhu feels he's in his prime. \"I've been at my best since the Tokyo Games and will keep this top form for at least another year,\" he said confidently.
Next up, he's heading to Rizhao in east China's Shandong Province for the Chinese National Athletics Championships at the end of June. It's all part of his warm-up for the big stage: the Paris Olympics! 🇫🇷
But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Zhu grappled with injuries during winter training. Rather than slowing him down, these challenges have actually boosted his confidence! 🚀
\"I'm in the best shape right now because I have a calm mindset,\" Zhu shared with CMG. \"If I hadn't faced those injuries, I'd be stressing about medals or even gold in Paris. Now, just being able to perform at my best in the Paris Games is already a win for me!\" 🥇
Zhu's journey reminds us that setbacks can be setups for greater comebacks. So, who's ready to see him soar in Paris? 🙋♂️
Reference(s):
Chinese triple jumper Zhu Yaming: Injuries give me a better mindset
cgtn.com
