Xu Shiyan’s Determined Path to Olympic Gold
At 27 years old, Xu Shiyan stands as the captain of the Chinese women’s national judo team. Her journey has been one of resilience and unwavering determination. After finishing fifth in the women’s +78-kilogram event at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021, Xu faced a moment of profound disappointment. In tears, she declared in front of the cameras, “I will come back.”
Once considered a rising star who started as a sparring partner, Xu’s setback at the Olympics was a significant blow to her confidence. “The national team went to train overseas in 2022,” Xu told China Media Group (CMG). “We spent a long time in other countries but didn’t achieve many good results. Maybe I ran into a bottleneck at that time. I doubted myself.”
The Chinese national judo team has undergone several changes in recent years, including a transition from Chinese coaches to French and now Georgian coaches. These changes have been instrumental for Xu. Her greatest strength lies in her stamina, allowing her to maintain agility throughout bouts. However, she recognized a need to diversify her scoring techniques.
“Training under different coaches has broadened my perspective,” Xu explained. “I’ve learned new methods and strategies that have enhanced my performance.”
Now, with renewed confidence and a broader skill set, Xu is poised to make her mark on the Olympic stage once again. Her journey reflects the spirit of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence that resonates with athletes and enthusiasts worldwide.
Reference(s):
Xu Shiyan, learns, absorbs like a sponge ahead of bid for Olympic gold
cgtn.com
