China’s modern pentathlete Zhang Mingyu has secured her spot at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris after clinching the women’s individual gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, in September 2023.
As a two-time Asian Games gold medalist, Zhang is set to embark on her second Olympic journey, representing China as the sole female competitor in modern pentathlon at Paris 2024.
“I might feel a bit lonely being the only woman from our team in the modern pentathlon competition in Paris,” Zhang told China Media Group (CMG). “But it’s also a great honor, and I’m determined to give my best performance.”
Overcoming injuries that affected her form earlier in the year, Zhang faced challenges during the first half of 2023, impacting her performance at the Modern Pentathlon World Cup. However, her perseverance led her to compete fiercely at the World Championships in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province, in mid-June.
“Since I had already qualified for the Olympics, I saw the World Championships as an opportunity to test myself,” Zhang said. “Competing in a noisy environment in front of a crowd helped me identify gaps between me and the world’s top athletes. It gave me specific areas to focus on in the months leading up to the Olympics.”
Zhang attributes her success to meticulous attention to every detail in both practice and competition. “Sprinting has been my weakness, so I’ve been focusing on improving it in recent months,” she shared. “When I overtake an opponent, I want to know by how much and whether they’re close to catching up. Every second counts.”
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Zhang remains humble yet ambitious. “I want to do my best and, if possible, surpass my personal best,” she stated. “The goal is to challenge myself and achieve new heights for our country.”
Zhang’s dedication and resilience serve as an inspiration, reflecting the spirit of Chinese athletes striving for excellence on the global stage. As she prepares for Paris 2024, the world will be watching to see how she shines.
Reference(s):
Chinese pentathlete Zhang Mingyu wants to shine at 2024 Olympic Games
cgtn.com
