Chinese fencer Sun Yiwen is setting her sights on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, determined to leave no regrets on the piste. After experiencing one of the toughest moments in her career at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Sun has been on a journey of recovery and self-renewal.
At the Tokyo Games, Sun and the Chinese women’s epee team faced heartbreaking defeats against South Korea in the semifinals and Italy in the bronze-medal match. During the bout against South Korea, Sun suffered an injury that would haunt her for months.
Following the Chinese National Games in Shaanxi Province in September 2021, Sun took time off to recover physically and mentally. “I took a vacation and then started over,” she told China Media Group (CMG). “I rebuilt my skills and rethought my performance. I think it opened my mind.”
Sun returned to international competition in November 2022, gradually regaining her form. In July 2023, she secured a bronze medal in the women’s individual epee at the World Championships in Milan, signaling her return to the elite level of fencing.
Despite her personal success, the Chinese women’s epee team continued to struggle. They suffered a surprising loss to Hong Kong, China, in the semifinals of the Asian Championships in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, in June 2023, and finished 12th at the World Championships the following month. These setbacks put their qualification for Paris in jeopardy.
However, the team rallied at the FIE Women’s Epee World Cup in Nanjing in March. They defeated Hong Kong, China, in the Round of 16 and overcame world No. 1 South Korea in the quarterfinals, ultimately securing a silver medal and a spot at the upcoming Olympics. “When we finished that bout, I felt like the pressure on my shoulders was gone by half,” Sun said. “I was like, ‘Man, this is harder than the Olympics.'”
With one Olympic gold (individual), one silver (team), and one bronze (individual) already to her name, Sun is eager to add more honors in Paris. “I already won the Olympic title, so now I just want to leave no regret as a fencer,” she shared with CMG. “If I’m given the chance, I want to try every possibility.”
Sun Yiwen’s journey of resilience and determination serves as an inspiration not only to her teammates but to aspiring athletes worldwide. As she prepares for Paris 2024, Sun embodies the spirit of perseverance, aiming to achieve her dreams and leave a lasting legacy in the world of fencing.
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Chinese fencer Sun Yiwen wants to leave no regret at 2024 Olympics
cgtn.com
