At just 11 years old, skateboarder Zheng Haohao is rewriting the rules of gravity – and history. The Guangdong native will become China’s youngest Olympian ever when she competes in Paris 2024’s women’s park skateboarding event. \"It’s my childhood dream come true,\" she told China Media Group after qualifying through events in Shanghai and Budapest.
Turning 12 during the Games’ closing ceremony, Zheng represents a new generation of Chinese athletes: 405 competitors (average age 25!) will represent China across 30 sports. Over half are first-time Olympians, including table tennis stars Sun Yingsha and Fan Zhendong. \"Wearing this national team jersey fills me with pride,\" said Sun, defending women’s singles champion.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will attend Friday’s opening ceremony as President Xi Jinping’s Special Representative, reaffirming China’s commitment to global sportsmanship. The country continues its Olympic legacy after hosting both Summer (2008) and Winter Games (2022), with President Xi emphasizing sports’ role in \"building global solidarity and tackling challenges through cooperation.\"
As Zheng prepares for her top-16 goal, her journey epitomizes China’s sporting philosophy: \"Enhancing health, fitness, and happiness through athletic excellence.\"
\"It’s my childhood dream come true,\" she told China Media Group after qualifying through events in Shanghai and Budapest.
\"Wearing this national team jersey fills me with pride,\" said Sun, defending women’s singles champion.
The country continues its Olympic legacy after hosting both Summer (2008) and Winter Games (2022), with President Xi emphasizing sports’ role in \"building global solidarity and tackling challenges through cooperation.\"
