Meet Zeng Zhiying, the incredible table tennis player who’s defying age norms by making her Olympic debut at 58 for Chile in the 2024 Paris Games! 🏓✨
Originally from the Chinese mainland, Zeng started her professional career at just 16. Despite the fierce competition in China’s deep pool of table tennis talent, she never got the chance to showcase her skills at the Olympics. After retiring at 20, Zeng moved to Chile as a coach, but her love for the game never faded.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zeng picked up her paddle again and, at 57, earned her spot on the Chilean national team. When asked about her journey, she shared, \"Very exciting. This is my first Olympics, so I feel very happy and excited. There’s no difference in age in competitions. You face whoever you’re against, no matter the age. I feel we are the same as competitors. We are equal on either side of the table.\"
Zeng trains rigorously from Monday to Friday and competes on Saturdays, dedicating around three hours each day to stay fit and injury-free. Her passion for table tennis drives her to continue competing, whether in professional or amateur matches. 💪🎉
Her story is a true inspiration for all ages, proving that passion and dedication can break any barriers. We can't wait to cheer her on in Paris!
