Get ready, sports fans! 🌊🏅 Chen Jingyue, a trailblazer in kiteboarding, is gearing up to represent China at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. At just 24, Chen has already made waves as the first Chinese athlete to win an international kiteboarding championship.
Her journey began at the tender age of 12 when she took up kiteboarding as a fun hobby. Fast forward to 2021, and Chen made the switch to professional kiteboarding, quickly dominating the national team. Her dedication paid off when she secured an Olympic spot by finishing eighth in the women's kiteboarding medal series at the Sailing World Championships in The Hague last August.
In 2023, Chen continued her stellar performance by topping all three Olympic trials, proving she's the best of the best. Reflecting on her journey, Chen shared with China Media Group, \"I think I have grown much more mature. I did it only for my own happiness in the past. But when I won the gold medal at the Asian Games and watched the Chinese national flag fly, I felt the load on my shoulders.\" 🎉🇨🇳
Her path hasn't been easy. The transition to professional sports meant grueling training sessions and higher expectations. Chen admitted that she cried a lot during this period, questioning why she had to push so hard. But now, she sees it all as worth the effort, ready to make her country proud in Paris.
As Chen prepares to ride the winds in Paris, her story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and national pride. Let’s cheer her on as she takes flight on the world’s biggest stage! 🌍✈️✨
Reference(s):
Chen Jingyue overcomes various challenges for her Olympic dream
cgtn.com