Silver medalist Huang Shanshan of China attends the awarding ceremony of women's trampoline at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Aug. 4, 2012. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan)
Many Chinese Olympic medalists and sports stars have transitioned into roles as coaches and officials, nurturing and influencing young talents.
by sportswriters Zheng Xin and Lu Xianting
NANNING, China, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Their sporting careers may end at a certain time, but their legacies continue.
Many Chinese Olympic medalists and sports stars, after retiring, have transitioned into roles as coaches and officials. They are now nurturing and influencing young talents, serving as role models at the ongoing first Student (Youth) Games in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
When the Xiamen team did not achieve a podium finish in the trampoline competition, the team's head coach, Huang Shanshan, reflected on the increasing competitiveness of the sport in China.
"We (Fujian Province) used to be powerhouses in the sport," said Huang, a bronze medalist in women's individual trampoline at the 2004 Athens Olympics. She observed that provinces like Shanxi, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang have made significant advancements recently.
Huang Shanshan competes in the women's trampoline final at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Nov. 22, 2010. (Xinhua/Wang Lei)
"But as long as we keep working hard in the right direction, the team will catch up in maybe the next four or eight years," added the 37-year-old.
Huang, after retiring in 2013, took up coaching, first leading the national youth team, and later, teams in her hometown of Fujian, including Fuzhou and Xiamen. Under her guidance, these teams have competed in major events like the 2015 National Youth Games and this year's Student (Youth) Games.
"The Student (Youth) Games is very different from the events that I participated in. The competition is more enjoyable," Huang said, hoping that all trampoline gymnasts find joy in their sport.
Dong Bin, a triple jump bronze medalist from the 2016 Olympics, proudly watched his protege, Wu Jian, win the triple jump at the Student (Youth) Games.
"When I watch my athletes competing on the field, I'm more nervous than them," Dong admitted.
China's Dong Bin competes in the men's triple jump final of 2017 Doha IAAF Diamond League, May 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Nikku)
Wu, born in 2004, is seen as a promising talent. Dong has spotted significant potential in several athletes participating in the event.
"The Games is a memorable experience for me," Dong said. "I find out shortcomings of my players as well as mine. After the competition, we have to continue to work hard and improve ourselves."
Other renowned former athletes, like Wang Ke, a four-time world champion in aerobics and a teacher at Tianjin University of Sport, have also been present at the Games. Wang brought around 30 students from Tianjin to compete in the aerobics competition.
"The sport is deeply rooted in school," Wang shared with Xinhua, emphasizing his experience in enhancing coaching skills.
Liu Zhixi of Beijing competes in the women's singles aerobics final at China's inaugural Student (Youth) Games, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)
Chen Bin, leader of the Taiyuan roller skating team and former national team member, mirrored Wang's sentiment on developing young athletes.
"These veterans not only provide professional guidance to young athletes but also serve as role models," observed former Olympic diving champion Liu Huixia, who is leading the Wuhan diving team at the Games.
"Coaches are key to a team. When a coach feels his players' potential, he will spend more time and energy training them. Meanwhile, when players see their own progress, they will become more confident," Liu commented, highlighting the positive cycle of coaching and improvement. ■