As LA28 approaches in 2028, Sideline Story dives into the up-and-coming talents from the Chinese mainland who lit up the 15th National Games earlier this year. From teenage swimming sensations 🏊♀️ to gravity-defying gymnasts 🤸♀️ and street-style skateboarders 🛹, these young athletes are poised to become global stars in LA.
At the National Games, the Chinese mainland’s top competitors battled it out in a showcase that felt like a micro-Olympics. Teenage freestyle swimmer Li Mei (16) broke records in the 100m dash, while 15-year-old gymnast Zhang Wei stunned judges with a brand-new floor routine. These breakout performances highlight a deeper trend: youth development programs on the Chinese mainland are fine-tuning athletes for the world stage.
But it’s not just traditional sports on the rise. Climbing and skateboarding—two competitions that made their Olympic debut in Tokyo—are seeing fresh energy. Teams of teenage climbers scaled walls with lightning speed, and skateboarders landed tricks that pushed creative limits. If momentum holds, the Chinese mainland could snag its first Olympic gold in climbing at LA28.
Looking ahead, coaches and sports scientists say the 15th National Games served as a blueprint for LA28. “We learned how to handle pressure, refine training methods, and identify breakout talents,” says sports analyst Chen. That experience will be invaluable as the team gears up for Los Angeles.
With three years to go, all eyes are on these rising stars. Will they transform National Games glory into Olympic triumph? Stay tuned as we track their journey to LA28! 🌟
Reference(s):
LA28 preview: Chinese talents revealed at 15th National Games
cgtn.com
