As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris approach, China’s sport climbing team is gearing up under the passionate guidance of coach Zhong Qixin. Once an aspiring Olympian himself, Zhong is now channeling his unfulfilled athletic dreams into coaching, aiming to elevate his team to new heights.
“As an athlete, I certainly feel like I’m missing out,” Zhong admitted in a recent interview. “But as the coach of the national team, it’s a great opportunity to be involved in the Olympics in a different capacity.”
Zhong, who was unable to compete in the Olympic Games during his climbing career, sees coaching as a way to make up for past regrets. “Although I was not able to participate in the Olympic Games when I was an athlete, as a coach, I can make up for my regrets if I grasp this opportunity well,” he said. “I have more responsibility now. As an athlete, I just needed to be myself, but as a coach, I need not only to be strict with myself but also to lead the team and manage athletes. In this way, our team can go higher and further.”
China has secured seven spots in sport climbing for the Paris Games, marking participation in all four of the discipline’s events: men’s speed, women’s speed, men’s combined, and women’s combined. Athletes Luo Zhilu and Zhang Yuetong will compete in the women’s combined event, while Pan Yufei will take on the men’s combined. Long Jinbao and Wu Peng are set for the men’s speed, with Deng Lijuan and Zhou Yafei competing in the women’s speed.
Zhong is optimistic about the team’s progress. “At this stage, I think our climbers are actively improving,” he noted. “Everyone’s physical state and competitive form are part of a normal rhythm. I hope they can maintain this good form until the Paris Olympics.”
As the final months of preparation begin, Zhong emphasizes the importance of addressing any shortcomings. “We need to summarize the deficiencies and shortcomings found in recent competitions and solve the problems in training,” he explained. “I hope we will get all the details right at the Olympics and achieve our dream in Paris.”
With Zhong’s leadership, China’s sport climbing team aims not only to compete but to shine on the world stage, turning individual aspirations into collective success.
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Coaching makes up for Zhong Qixin's regrets in Olympic sport climbing
cgtn.com
