In the 2024 Paris Paralympics乒乓球 (table tennis) competition, Chinese athlete Feng Panfeng achieved a remarkable feat, securing his tenth gold medal and fifth consecutive title in the men’s singles 3-class event. The 34-year-old athlete, who has been dominating the sport for years, reached a new high in his career with this exceptional achievement.
Feng Panfeng, a former participant in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, has seen significant changes in his mindset over the years. Despite the pressure of being a defending champion, he maintains a focused and determined approach to his sport. I just want to play every match well, and I never thought about the possibility of winning five consecutive golds, Feng said. If I had focused on that from the start, there might have been problems during the match.
Feng Panfeng’s dedication and hard work have paid off, as he has won a total of 10 Paralympic gold medals, maintaining an unbreakable dominance in the men’s singles 3-class event. Since the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, he has been a consistent winner, securing a gold medal in every edition of the competition.
This year’s Paralympics featured adjustments to the table tennis program, with the elimination of the team event and the addition of doubles competitions. Feng Panfeng took advantage of this opportunity to compete in the men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles events, ultimately winning three gold medals for the first time in a single Paralympics.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Feng Panfeng remained undeterred. In the men’s doubles event, he and his partner, Cao Ningning, achieved a stunning victory against their long-time rivals, the Thai duo of Chaiwut and Grinpranpran, in the semi-finals. They eventually secured the gold medal with a 3-2 win.
Feng Panfeng’s success can be attributed to his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. As a wheelchair table tennis player with relatively long arms, he has a distinct advantage on the court. His preferred playing style, featuring a long-paddle backhand, often puts immense pressure on his opponents, forcing them to play risky shots and making them more prone to errors.
Feng Panfeng’s idol, Chinese table tennis legend Deng Yaping, has had a significant impact on his career. Deng Yaping once provided him with specialized coaching on the long-paddle backhand technique, which has become a hallmark of his game. Feng Panfeng’s playing style is reminiscent of Deng Yaping’s, as he is known for his intense passion and unwavering determination on the court.
The number 10 holds a special significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing perfection. For Feng Panfeng, his 10 Paralympic gold medals represent not an end but a new beginning in his career. I will continue to participate in competitions and make bold changes and breakthroughs in my technique to maintain a competitive edge in the future, Feng said.
Feng Panfeng’s inspiring journey has captured the attention of many, and he hopes to inspire young people to pursue their passions and face challenges with determination. I hope our matches can motivate and inspire these children, and encourage them to engage in sports when they face difficulties, as sports can make both their bodies and minds stronger, he said.
With his remarkable achievements and unwavering spirit, Feng Panfeng has become a role model for many, demonstrating the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
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