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Text| Fei Fei Entertainment Lao Huang
Edit| Fei Fei Entertainment Lao Huang
Do you remember Ni Xialian, who is known as "Grandma Coke"? That's right, it's the 61-year-old veteran who is still thriving on the table tennis table! Recently, she set off a whirlwind at the Paris Olympics, which makes people sigh: How many years can this "living fossil" in the table tennis world play?
From the alleys of Shanghai to the world stage
Ni Xialian's table tennis road can be said to have started in the alleys of Shanghai. When she was 4 years old, the little Ni Xialian came into contact with table tennis for the first time and was deeply attracted by this small round ball. She began her formal studies at the age of 7 and won the Shanghai Primary School Women's Singles Championship at the age of 12.
At the age of 16, Ni Xialian made a splash at the National Games, reaching the women's singles final, and although she won the runner-up in the end, she has already made fans across the country remember the name. In 1983, 20-year-old Ni Xialian helped the Chinese women's team win the championship at the World Table Tennis Championships and won the mixed doubles championship.
Go overseas and continue to write the legend
Who would have thought that just when Ni Xialian was proud of the spring breeze, she chose to leave the national team. In 1986, at the age of 23, Ni Xialian went to Germany and Luxembourg to develop and start her overseas career.
In Europe, Ni Xialian is like a fish in water, winning the European Top 12 for many consecutive years. In 2000, the 37-year-old Ni Xialian participated in the Olympic Games for the first time, and although she did not win a medal, her performance was already amazing.
At the age of 61, he made history by competing in the Olympics again
You think that's the end of it? No, no, no, Ni Xialian's legend is far from over. From 2000 to 2021, she participated in 5 consecutive Olympic Games, setting a record for the oldest table tennis player to participate. And at the 2024 Paris Olympics, 61-year-old Ni Xialian appeared on the field again, and this scene was simply dumbfounded!
In the women's singles competition of the Paris Olympics, Ni Xialian faced a 40-year-old opponent and won easily with a score of 11:9, 11:7, and 11:6. After the match, she smiled and told reporters: "Age is just a number, as long as I can still play, I will continue to play."
The story behind it: the never-say-die spirit
Ni Xialian's ability to maintain such an excellent competitive state at the age of 61 is indispensable to the credit of her husband Tommy. Tommy is not only Ni Xialian's coach, but also serves as her life assistant, chef, physiotherapist and other multiple roles.
Interestingly, Tommy is a full 10 years younger than Ni Xialian. But the age gap did not affect the relationship between the two, but made them cooperate seamlessly in life and career. Tommy once joked: "I'm like Ni Xialian's 'multifunctional Switzerland army knife', ready to deal with any situation."
The story of Ni Xialian and Tommy is not only a romantic love, but also an inspirational story about perseverance and dreams. They tell us with practical actions: as long as you love it, age is never a problem.
The future is promising: How long can Ni Xialian play?
In the face of doubts from the outside world, Ni Xialian always responded calmly: "I will keep fighting until I can't move." Her coach Tommy also said: "Ni Xialian's skills and experience are her biggest strengths, and as long as she can maintain her good physical condition, I believe she can fight for a few more years."
No matter what the future holds, Ni Xialian has proved with her own actions: love is the most powerful driving force. Her legendary experience in table tennis not only reflects her persistent love for the sport, but also shows the spirit of never backing down.
Looking at the 61-year-old Ni Xialian who can still sweat on the field, we can't help but sigh: This is the real "old and strong"! Let's cheer for this "living fossil" in the table tennis world, and look forward to her continuing to create miracles in the future!
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