Chinese triple jumper Zhu Yaming, who made history by winning China’s first Olympic silver medal in the men’s triple jump at the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021), is setting his sights on greater heights as he prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Following his Olympic success, Zhu continued to shine on the global stage, securing a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July 2022. Reflecting on his journey, Zhu expressed confidence in his abilities and those of his compatriots. “I have trained with foreign athletes for so many years, and I realized that we are as good as them,” Zhu told China Media Group (CMG). “We do better than them in certain areas.”
Despite achieving a remarkable jump of 17.57 meters in Tokyo, Zhu believes he has more to offer. “It’s a perfect edition of the Olympics for me in Tokyo,” he said, acknowledging both his accomplishments and the potential for improvement.
Having turned 30 in May, Zhu feels he is currently in his prime and anticipates maintaining top form for at least another year. His journey has not been without challenges; injuries during winter training presented setbacks. However, overcoming these obstacles has given him a renewed mindset. “I’m in the best form at the moment because I have a peaceful mindset,” Zhu shared. “If I hadn’t gone through the injuries, I would have been under a lot of pressure from the goal of competing for a medal or even a gold in Paris. Instead, now I think it’s already a success for me to be able to display my best form at the Paris Games.”
As part of his preparation, Zhu will participate in the Chinese National Athletics Championships in Rizhao, Shandong Province, at the end of June. This event serves as a warm-up for the Paris Olympics, allowing him to test his form and adjust his training as needed.
Zhu’s journey resonates with many aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts worldwide. His determination to overcome injuries and his positive outlook serve as an inspiration. As he continues to push the boundaries of his sport, Zhu Yaming embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence.
Reference(s):
Chinese triple jumper Zhu Yaming: Injuries give me a better mindset
cgtn.com
