Sun Yingsha, top Chinese table tennis player and world No. 1 in women's singles ranking, attributed her success at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to teamwork and hard training, where she earned two gold medals and one silver.
Sun, who competed in singles, mixed doubles, and team events in Paris 2024, has held the Women's World No. 1 ranking since July 2022 with only a brief interruption.
During an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Sun talked about her demanding competition schedule in Paris, noting that maintaining tactical awareness proved to be the most energy-consuming aspect.
"Physically, I believe my condition is okay, as we all train to build sufficient stamina during regular preparations. But during the high-intensity competition in the Olympics, energy is consumed most. Constantly thinking about strategies and maintaining this high level of mental focus are definitely the most tiring part," she said.
Sun also talked about her cooperation with Wang Chuqin in the table tennis mixed doubles event in Paris, where they secured the gold medal. It is China's first Olympic gold medal in the table tennis mixed doubles, which made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.
According to Sun, effective collaboration relies on mutual trust and the ability to reassure each other during times of nervousness or subpar performance.
"The most important thing in partnering with another player is trust. The second thing is to share the responsibility and pressure equally," she said.
"When you feel nervous, you need to talk and communicate with others to help you relax, then you may feel better. The principle applies in the competition as well. If my partner loses a point or I get nervous, the other should start to talk, saying ‘it's okay’ and urge the teammate to try again. Just keep saying, and you will gradually regain your composure," she said.
Though viewed by some as genius, Sun says that tireless practice, rather than innate genius, is the key to her success.
"I don't think I am a genius. I believe that reaching the top, or the absolute highest level requires a blend of hard training and talent. And I think hard training definitely comes first," said Sun.
Sun's journey as champion began at 14 when she won the singles title at the Junior National Championships in 2015.
She shone at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, clinching silver in the women's singles and gold in the team event at the age of 20.
World No. 1 table tennis player in women's singles decodes ways to success in Paris 2024
