In this era of controversy and discussion, a huge wave of table tennis has forced us to focus on the legendary figure named Zhang Xielin. Imagine a table tennis player of the last century who suddenly faced an unprecedented challenge in the final. This is not just a technical test, but more like a comprehensive review of his life's table tennis career.
Let's rewind to 1940, when Zhang Xielin was still a child born in Shanghai, and his family was full of scholars who loved to read. But did you know that although their family has a deep admiration for learning, Xiao Zhang Xielin fell in love with table tennis. At Huanghe Road Primary School in Shanghai, he couldn't use the school's table tennis table because his grade was too low, so the little guy actually drew lines on the ground with his classmates, imitated the table, and played with the lights of the store. Can you imagine that scene? A group of children swinging their rackets and hitting a ball in the night light, they must have been full of joy on their faces.
As time goes by, Zhang Xielin's ball skills are getting better and better, but the family, especially his grandfather, doesn't see it that way. They thought that playing would delay his studies and even ruin his racket. But that didn't bother our little hero, who came up with a way to hide his racket in his classmate's house. This is the spirit of love, perseverance no matter what difficulties are encountered.
The technical school of Shanghai Steam Turbine Factory is a turning point in Zhang Xielin's life. He learned Xi skills there, but in his spare time he still participated in a lot of table tennis competitions. The family saw him as not doing his job properly, but he just insisted on going his own way and insisting on his own choice. In 1959, Zhang Xielin's talent and achievements finally attracted the attention of the Shanghai table tennis team, and he was included in the professional team. In those days, being an athlete meant a stable life and honor, and Zhang Xielin's choice was finally verified.
Zhang Xielin's style of play is very unique, he is good at chipping the ball, and in that era when straight fast attacks were the mainstream, such skills were very rare. This has made him very prominent in competitions at home and abroad, not only in the domestic but also in the international attention.
But did you know that it was this unique style of play that made him a huge challenge in a team competition of outstanding national table tennis players in 1960? Against a series of formidable opponents, Zhang has shown his extraordinary strength. During that crucial match, he accidentally changed the rubber of his racket, which unexpectedly changed the characteristics of his chipping ball. This fortuitous change made his chipping more elusive, and even the masters of national table tennis were difficult to crack. This was Zhang Xielin's legendary moment, he won consecutive matches in the competition, shocking the entire table tennis world.
From 1961 to 1971, Zhang Xielin's table tennis career entered a golden period, and he achieved outstanding results in many World Table Tennis Championships, winning the reputation of "Table Tennis Magician". In addition to his brilliance on the court, Zhang Xielin's personal life is also exciting. The love story between him and his wife Yin Jiazhen took place in the compound of the national team. Yin Jiazhen is a track and field athlete, and the two can only bury their relationship deep in their hearts at first, until 1964, when Zhang Xielin became a well-known figure, and they can officially establish a relationship. At the peak of Zhang Xielin's career and the predicament of the special period, Yin Jiazhen always accompanied him, supported and encouraged him.
In 1971, Zhang Xielin won the mixed doubles championship at the World Table Tennis Championships, marking a peak in his career as an athlete. As he grew older and his physical strength declined, he gradually retired from the international arena and began a coaching career. As the head coach of the national table tennis women's team, Zhang Xielin passed on his experience and wisdom to young athletes. Under his guidance, Chinese women's table tennis has made unprecedented achievements and won the world championship many times. Zhang Xielin's coaching career, like his career as an athlete, is full of legends and brilliance.
But behind every success, there is always an unknown bitterness. Due to the particularity of his profession and heavy tasks, Zhang Xielin could not give much time and attention to his family, which became a regret for him. However, his daughters have all achieved great things, completing their studies at Beijing Technology and Business University and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, respectively, and have their own families and careers. Zhang Xielin's wife, Yin Jiazhen, also found her own trajectory in the ups and downs of life.
After his retirement, Zhang Xielin did not leave table tennis, he is still actively involved in table tennis, serving as a visiting professor at many universities, and often participating in social activities. He and his wife enjoyed a peaceful and happy old age in Beijing and Shanghai, sometimes visiting relatives in Sweden together, and sometimes enjoying the sweetness of life in the twin cities.
Zhang Xielin's story is not only a legend of an athlete, it is also a long narrative about perseverance, love, family and life choices. From a primary school student who loves table tennis, to becoming a legend in the international table tennis world, to being a coach and a family member, Zhang Xielin's life is full of color and depth. So, what do you think of Zhang Xielin's story? Feel free to leave a comment below to share your thoughts and feelings.