Table Tennis Legend & Artistic Swimming Star Chosen for Historic Honor
China’s Olympic delegation just dropped major news: two-time singles gold medalist Ma Long 🏓 and artistic swimming captain Feng Yu 💧 will carry the national flag at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony! The announcement sent waves through the sports world ahead of Friday’s riverfront spectacle on the Seine.
Why This Duo?
Ma Long, 35, is basically table tennis royalty 👑 – with 5 Olympic golds and countless world titles. Paris marks his fourth Games, though he’ll only compete in team events this time. 'This honor feels heavier than any medal,' he said in a team statement.
Feng Yu, 24, represents China’s new guard 🌟. The synchro-swim-turned-artistic-swimming star (yes, they rebranded the sport!) led her team to Tokyo 2020 silver. Her reaction? 'Shocked but SO ready to show our Chinese athletic spirit!' she posted on Weibo.
Breaking Tradition on the Seine
Forget stadium marches – athletes will float down the Seine River ⛵️ in boats during this groundbreaking ceremony. Organizers say it’ll be 'epic but intimate,' perfect for showcasing star flagbearers.
As Feng put it: 'We’re coming for that golden glow ✨ – both in the pool and as symbols for our team.' Get ready to cheer them on July 26!
