Chinese swimmer Yang Junxuan has punched her ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics with a heart-pumping comeback story! ๐ The 22-year-old smashed China's women's 100m freestyle record at April's Olympic Trials in Shenzhen, clocking 52.68 seconds โ now the world's 8th fastest time this year.
When the Water Fought Back ๐
Yang's journey wasn't all smooth sailing. She battled mysterious central nervous system (CNS) fatigue for months โ an invisible opponent that left her literally unable to lift her arms mid-pool. ๐ 'Iโd need rescuing if I pushed too hard,' she told China Media Group.
The Comeback Blueprint ๐
Through customized training and sheer grit, Yang rediscovered her rhythm: 'I learned progress isn't about keeping up with others โ it's about your own pace.' Her 1:54.37 in the 200m freestyle now ranks 4th globally this year โ a sweet redemption after her Tokyo 2021 relay gold ๐ฅ.
Olympic Mindset Upgrade ๐ง
'Now I feel new responsibilities,' says Yang, who's evolved from star athlete to team leader. As Paris approaches, her story reminds us: Sometimes the toughest waves to conquer are the ones inside. ๐โจ
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Chinese swimmer Yang Junxuan back on track before 2024 Summer Olympics
cgtn.com