Who says challenges can't make you stronger? Just ask Shi Yuqi, China's badminton sensation, who soared to the World No.1 spot in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) men's singles rankings. 🎉 Not only that, but he's also secured his ticket to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics! 🏸🇫🇷
But this journey wasn't a smooth ride. Shi faced tough battles, both on and off the court. Remember the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021? He had a crushing loss against Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the quarterfinals, scoring no more than 13 points in both games. Ouch. 😔
Instead of giving up, Shi went back to the grind, pushing himself harder than ever. Just when things were looking up, he hit another bump in the road. In October 2021, the Chinese Badminton Association suspended him for 10 months for \"making inappropriate remarks\" about his withdrawal from the Thomas Cup semifinals against Japan's Kento Momota. Talk about a plot twist! 🎢
The suspension took a toll on him. \"In the first half of 2023, I was like, 'maybe I couldn't do this anymore',\" Shi confessed to China Media Group (CMG). \"I began to doubt myself and wondered if I could still beat others in the competition.\" 🤔
So, how did Shi turn things around? Enter Coach Sun Jun, his mentor since winning gold at the Nanjing Youth Olympics in 2014. Their reunion in 2022 was just what Shi needed. \"Coach Sun knows me well,\" Shi said. \"Badminton has become more complicated than before, and details will decide if you can perform your best. I want to win. I want to stay hungry for victory, but I'm also in a mindset I like, that I don't have to be the one in the top position.\" 💪
Coach Sun had nothing but praise for his star player. \"Shi's performance this year was excellent. He won four titles and looked confident in training,\" Sun told CMG. \"I think today's Shi Yuqi can match Axelsen.\" 🌟
With his eyes on the Paris Olympics, Shi's got that fire back. \"I want to win the title, but I will try not to stress about it,\" he said. \"I will try to maintain the good form I'm in right now, and improve it if possible. I will give my best in Paris.\" 🇫🇷🏅
From setbacks to comebacks, Shi Yuqi's story is all about resilience and never giving up. Can't wait to see you smash it in Paris, Shi! 🚀✨
Reference(s):
Hardships can't beat shuttler Shi Yuqi, but only make him stronger
cgtn.com
