Hangzhou Asian Games | Legends are here! The 48-year-old "Qiu Mama" jumped to the final
On the evening of the 25th, the gymnasium of Hangzhou Huanglong Sports Center was lit like a river of stars, and the voices were booming. Chusovikina, 48, stood in the gymnastics vault arena of the Hangzhou Asian Games, and everyone's eyes were focused on her.
Chusovykina appeared in a red gymnastics suit, with her neat short hair tied up in a small bun.
On September 25, Chusovykina in a vault competition. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cheng Min
With the enthusiastic introduction of the live DJ, the audience erupted into enthusiastic applause. "'Qiu Ma' come on!" Someone shouted loudly.
In the first jump, Chusovykina landed, although she jumped a little, but the flaws were not hidden, and she showed a hint of a smile.
The second jump, the start, the spin, the landing, Chusovykina opened her arms, and the audience applauded. "Qiu Ma" waved to the audience, compared with a loving gesture, and "spread" to the four sides of the stands.
While waiting for the results, "Qiu Mama" grimaced at the camera, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes were full of smiles. In the end, she successfully reached the women's vault final with 12.949 points, the fifth place in the qualifying round.
On September 25, Chusovykina greeted the audience. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cheng Min
"Qiu Mama" who came to the mixed interview area was dressed in a light green suit, painted with light makeup, and had a delicate hairstyle. When she heard a reporter comment that she "may be the most popular and popular athlete in this Asian Games", she smiled: "Could it be because I am old?" ”
For the performance of the day, Chusovykina was not satisfied, "Maybe it's because of excitement!" She stuck out her tongue, "But I got there." In the final, I have to go through the hurdles and try to win a medal. Her eyes sparkled.
"At 48 years old and having competed in eight Olympic Games, when would you consider ending your legendary career?" When the reporter threw out this "sensitive" topic, Chusovykina laughed: "Don't you like to continue watching me play?" I really don't want to leave yet. ”
When asked if she would participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics, she replied: "It is too early to talk about my goal of participating in the Paris Olympics, and I will try to qualify for the Olympics first." ”
If successful, it will be the ninth Olympic Games of Chusovykina, and she will make a whole new history.
Chusovykina before a vault competition on September 25. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cheng Tingting
From competing as a CIS athlete in 1992, to representing Uzbekistan, to changing to German citizenship due to her son's medical treatment, and finally returning to Uzbek citizenship, Chusovykina's story of eight Olympic Games is legendary.
In 2002, Chusovykina's 3-year-old son was found to have leukemia, and she sold her property and competed wildly, hoping to use the prize money to provide for her son's treatment.
In order to earn a higher income and better medical conditions, Chusovykina moved to Germany to compete in the World Series. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she won the silver medal in the women's vault in return for Germany's help, when she was 33 years old.
"You are not healed, I dare not grow old." Chusovikina's words touched countless people. After her son recovered from illness, she was still active in the arena...
"What motivates you to compete now?" A reporter asked.
"As I've said many times, gymnastics makes me so happy and happy, why should I end up and give up what I love to do?"
Chusovykina said she was already looking forward to the vault final on the evening of September 28. Who isn't?
Source: Xinhua News Agency
Reporter: Yue Ranran, Yang Dehong, Lu Xianting
Executive Producer: Xu Rui
Editors: Zhou Zhe, Lang Ming
Internship: He Xinyao
Come on!