2023 has been a colorful year for the Chinese shooting team, who performed well in the World Cup, World Championships, Asian Games and other events, and qualified for the Paris Olympics ahead of schedule. However, in the preliminary team selection for the Paris Olympics, Yang Qian, the gold medalist in the women's 10m air rifle at the Tokyo Olympics, was unexpectedly defeated. This is not only a personal challenge for Yang Qian, but also reflects the new trend of young and fierce competition in the Chinese shooting team.
Replacing Yang Qian in the Paris Olympics are Huang Yuting and Han Jiayu. Huang Yuting, born in 2006 and not yet 18 years old, has already won the gold medal at the 2023 World Shooting Championships. Han Jiayu, born in 2001, is also a gold and silver medalist at the World Championships. The rise of these two young players marks that the Chinese shooting team is going through a process of replacing the old with the new.
Yang Qian, the gold medalist in the women's 10m air rifle at the Tokyo Olympics, has made brilliant achievements in the field. However, the trajectory of life after the race changed significantly. According to reports, after winning the Olympic gold medal, Yang Qian actively participated in various commercial endorsements and social activities, and these external factors significantly affected her training and competition status. Her ability and concentration have dropped so much that she can't meet the demands of a high-level game.
Yang's example has sparked a discussion about how athletes can find a balance between commercial endorsements and athletic careers. Successful athletes tend to be sought after by the commercial market, but excessive commercial activity can distract athletes and affect their training and competition performance. In this case, athletes need to make an informed choice between business interests and the long-term development of their athletic careers.
At the same time, the young players of the Chinese shooting team are rapidly rising. Rising stars such as Huang Yuting and Han Jiayu have shown excellent competitive level and strong potential, and their performances are a testament to the success of the Chinese shooting team in talent training and selection. The emergence of these young athletes not only represents the strength of a new generation, but also indicates the continued prosperity of Chinese shooting.
Yang's experience also reflects the multiple choices that athletes may face in their careers. In addition to the pursuit of excellence on the field, athletes can also choose to participate in commercial activities and expand their personal brand influence. This diverse career path offers athletes a wider range of opportunities to develop, but it also presents challenges in balancing competitive and commercial activities.
Yang Qian's defeat and the rise of Huang Yuting and Han Jiayu are not only the result of the internal competition of the Chinese shooting team, but also an important case of sports development and athletes' career planning.
Yang Qian's case is a prime example of how athletes can plan for their future after the peak of their careers. Her experience is a reminder to athletes and sports administrators that more attention and support are needed for athletes' career planning and life choices. At the same time, the rise of the new generation of the Chinese shooting team also demonstrates the achievements and potential of Chinese sports in cultivating young talents.