65歲時還能站上2028年洛杉磯奧運會賽場嗎？面對這個問題，乒壇常青樹倪夏蓮用行動給出了最有力的回答。4月1日，倪夏蓮官宣將挑戰第七次參加奧運會。"The result is important, but enjoying the process is the real victory."

Where does the determination to take on the challenge come from? What is the meaning of the challenge? Listen to her true thoughts.

Not fighting alone

After the Paris Olympics, Ni Xialian finally enjoyed a leisure time with her family and friends. She is often asked if she has ever thought about the next Olympics. She never gave a clear answer. "After all, the age is there, and I need to think about it carefully."

This year's International Women's Day. The city of Ettelbruck in Luxembourg named a street after Ni Xialian, an honor that filled her with emotion. In Luxembourg, Ni Xialian is a pioneer in national sports, a role model for young people, and an envoy of sports and cultural exchanges between China and Luxembourg.

近年來，倪夏蓮每次參加比賽，都在不停刷新高齡參賽的紀錄。在她的帶領下，盧森堡的年輕球員也在創造好成績。巴黎奧運會，盧森堡共獲得3個乒乓球參賽席位，對於僅有66萬人口的國家來說，這個人均比例著實高。

"Luxembourg needs me, and it's my duty. I was touched by their sincerity. This was the main reason for Ni Xialian's decision, "Seeing the progress of the young players and hearing the encouragement of the fans makes me feel empowered. This is not my battle alone, but our shared glory. ”

The advantage is an empirical mindset

In the face of the increasingly fierce competition for Olympic qualification, Ni Xialian admits that age is the biggest challenge. "It's true that the speed and reflexes are not as good as the youngsters, but I have an experience and mentality that they can't match."

In recent years, the competition in table tennis has become more and more fierce, and newcomers have been emerging. Aside from Asia, Europe is the most competitive continent for table tennis. Ni Xialian recalled: "At the Rio Olympics in 2016, my physical condition was very good, but even so, I did not stand out in the European Championships, and finally qualified for the Olympics by relying on my world ranking. ”

As you can imagine, it will be even more difficult to challenge the seventh Olympic Games. "It's getting harder with every Olympics, but I'm ready for the challenge." "There are still three years to go, so I'm going to be happy to take my time, keep my strength, and not get hurt or sick." ”

The reason why I have the confidence and confidence to challenge the Los Angeles Olympics is because of the support of my family. When it comes to family, Ni Xialian always has a happy expression on her face, "I have a small family and everyone." "A pair of children are very supportive of my mother, and my son is studying TCM physiotherapy in Shanghai, and he understands that it is good for his mother to keep exercising. And in the big family, her brothers and sisters are very supportive of her little sister. And, of course, my husband Tommy is always supportive, "I'm lucky to have such a 'lovely' gentleman who has my back. ”

Ni Xialian once represented the Chinese team in the 2024th World Table Tennis Championships in 0 years and won the mixed doubles championship and team championship. In the 0 Sydney Olympics, 0-year-old Ni Xialian represented Luxembourg and finally reached the top 0 of the women's singles, fulfilling her Olympic dream. She has made her Olympic appearances for the past 0 times, and last year, at the age of 0, she became the oldest player to compete in the table tennis event at the Paris Olympics in 0.

"As long as you're in good physical condition, this challenge is very valuable." Ni Xialian said, "I have seen all the messages from the fans, I am very moved, and I will continue to share my preparation process with everyone on social platforms." ”

Text: Tao Xingying

Photo: Xinhua News Agency, WTT World Table Tennis Federation, Li Mingshen