From Athlete to Coach: Zhong Qixin's Olympic Comeback 🧗♂️✨
Zhong Qixin is gearing up for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, not as a competitor, but as the coach of China's sport climbing team! 🇨🇳🎉
In a candid chat with CGTN Sports Scene's Zhu Mandan, Zhong opened up about how coaching is helping him bridge the gap of not competing in the Olympics during his athletic career. \"As an athlete, I certainly feel like I'm missing out,\" he shared. \"But as a coach of the national team, it's a great opportunity to be involved in the Olympics in a different capacity.\"
Embracing this new role, Zhong is all about turning past regrets into new challenges. \"Although I was not able to participate in the Olympic Games when I was an athlete, as a coach, I can make up for my regrets if I grasp this opportunity well,\" he said. \"I have more responsibility now. As an athlete, I just needed to be myself, but as a coach, I need not only to be strict with myself, but also to lead the team and manage athletes. In this way, our team can go higher and further.\" 🚀
China's sport climbing squad is all set, having secured seven spots across all four events: men's speed, women's speed, men's combined, and women's combined. Talk about leveling up! 💪
Luo Zhilu and Zhang Yuetong will take on the women's combined event, while Pan Yufei is set for the men's combined. In the speed events, Long Jinbao and Wu Peng will compete in men's speed, with Deng Lijuan and Zhou Yafei representing in women's speed. Let's give them a virtual high-five! ✋🏼
Zhong is confident about his team's progress. \"At this stage, I think our climbers are actively improving,\" he told CGTN. \"Everyone's physical state and competitive form are part of a normal rhythm. I hope they can maintain this good form until the Paris Olympics. I believe they will do well in the upcoming events.\"
As the countdown to Paris begins, Zhong emphasizes the importance of refinement. \"We need to summarize the deficiencies and shortcomings found in the recent competitions, and solve the problems in training. I hope we will try to get all the details right at the Olympics and achieve our dream in Paris.\" 🌟
With such passion and dedication, Zhong and his team are truly reaching for new heights! 🏔️ Let's cheer them on as they climb towards Olympic glory! 🥇
Reference(s):
Coaching makes up for Zhong Qixin's regrets in Olympic sport climbing
cgtn.com
