Chinese trampoline gymnast Zhu Xueying is setting her sights on gold at the upcoming Paris Games, following a series of impressive performances that have solidified her standing as one of the sport's top athletes.
Last month, Zhu participated in China's Olympic Trials at Tsinghua University, demonstrating her dedication and readiness for the international stage. Her journey has been remarkable since claiming the gold medal in her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.
Not resting on her laurels, the 26-year-old continued her winning streak by securing the individual title at her first Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. This season, she has maintained her momentum with victories at the Varna and Baku stops of the Trampoline World Cup.
Zhu's achievements have earned her a trampoline grand slam, having won gold medals at the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup, and Asian Games. She credits her success to focusing on core strength, an essential element of her routines. "In the air, without equipment, somersaults depend on a gymnast's own strength. Core strength is the most important element of my routines," Zhu explained.
Despite her accomplishments, Zhu remains humble and focused on continuous improvement. "Even though I have many achievements in the past, I think it is important not to carry my last performance into a new competition. I can always keep improving through hard work," she said.
Her dedication is also recognized by her family. "My parents are often afraid that they might affect my performance, so they prefer not to talk to me about anything at home," Zhu shared.
As the Paris Games approach, Zhu Xueying's story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring not only aspiring gymnasts but also sports enthusiasts around the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com