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At the beginning of the new year, on January 1, 2024, the global sports world ushered in a blockbuster list - the 2023 International Athlete of the Year released by the International Sports Journalists Association. In this list, Chinese female table tennis player Sun Yingsha is particularly eye-catching, she is not only the only Chinese athlete on the list, but also the Asian player with the most votes, and the only star selected in the world table tennis world. Sun Yingsha is ranked 21st, and in China, she failed to make it to the top 10 athletes in China. This phenomenon has undoubtedly sparked widespread discussion and controversy, and people can't help but wonder why Sun Yingsha is so popular internationally, but unfortunately failed in the domestic selection?
Let's first take a look at Sun Yingsha's brilliant record in 2023. She has won many international championships, including the women's singles championship in seven events, including the World Table Tennis Championships in Durban, the Asian Games in Hangzhou, and the Nagoya Women's Finals. She has an annual singles win rate of 93 per cent and tops the world rankings, more than 4,000 points ahead of second place, and has dominated the rankings for 85 weeks. Sun Yingsha's achievements have been praised as "unique" by the International Table Tennis Federation. In addition to her individual achievements, she has also won multiple titles in mixed doubles, women's doubles and team events.
However, the International Sports Journalists' Association (IPA) awards are different from those in China. In the selection of China's top ten athletes, Sun Yingsha was not selected, but her compatriot and swimmer Qin Haiyang won the honor. Qin Haiyang has also performed well in 2023, winning multiple international events, including the 100m breaststroke world title, and setting a new Asian record. Not only that, but he also won five gold medals at the World University Games and broke the record many times. In the list of the best international athletes, Qin Haiyang ranked 29th, showing his influence in the international swimming world.
In addition to Sun Yingsha and Qin Haiyang, Chinese table tennis player Fan Zhendong also won in the international selection. He has won multiple titles in 2023, including the World Table Tennis Championships in Durban and the Singapore Grand Slam, among others. With his consistent performance and high win rate, Fan Zhendong also earns a place on the list of the best international athletes, ranking 29th. These achievements of Fan Zhendong not only prove his strength in the table tennis arena, but also reflect the competitiveness of Chinese table tennis on the international stage.
The joint selection of Sun Yingsha, Qin Haiyang and Fan Zhendong once again highlights the influence of Chinese athletes in the international sports world. However, Sun's success on the international stage and her absence from the domestic selection reflect the difference in selection criteria. This sparked a series of discussions, with many questioning the criteria for domestic selection, and surprised that Sun Yingsha had not received the corresponding recognition in China.
An in-depth analysis of Sun Yingsha's performance in 2023 shows that her excellence in international competitions is indisputable. Her every serve and shot on the court shows her skill and determination. Against tough opponents from all over the world, she has shown a tenacious fighting spirit and unyielding spirit. These qualities, combined with her outstanding performance in competitions, have earned her high recognition in international competitions.
This difference in selection may stem from different evaluation criteria and perspectives. International selection focuses more on the influence and performance of athletes on the international stage, while domestic selection may pay more attention to the overall contribution and multi-faceted consideration of athletes. This difference suggests that an athlete may have different evaluations in different areas and levels.
Overall, Sun Yingsha's success is not only the result of her personal efforts, but also the result of China's table tennis and sports training system. Her glory on the international stage, whether or not it is equally recognized at home, has become a part of the history of Chinese sports. Her story has inspired countless young athletes, showing how high heights can be achieved with relentless hard work and a constant pursuit of excellence.
By analysing Yingsha Sun's case, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that athletes may face in different selection systems. Her story is not only an affirmation of her own career, but also an encouragement and inspiration to those Chinese athletes who strive to achieve glory on the international stage.