Born in a foreign land, is it destined to be assimilated or to stick to one's true colors?
This is a topic that has made countless overseas Chinese think deeply. However, there is such an "outlier" in the contemporary sports world, Shi Yuting, a Chinese-born athlete of Japanese origin, who not only showed amazing golf talent since she was a child, but also envied her unwavering commitment to the roots of Chinese culture.
What is even more curious is, where does this unswerving national self-confidence and cultural consciousness come from? Is it the influence of the family or the unique upbringing? Or do the two coexist?
Back then, Shi Yuting's parents went to Japan for business, but they never forgot their Beijinger roots. Every festival, my mother will make stuffing herself, make dumplings and dumplings with the whole family, and experience the joy of national festivals; Occasionally, the father would teach Shi Yuting to tie the traditional daughter's bun.
Mom and Dad always told me repeatedly, "We are Beijingers, and you are Beijingers". Shi Yuting recalled, "Immersed in this cultural atmosphere since I was a child, I was so sure of my Chinese identity. "
Indeed, with such a family education, Shi Yuting has a solid foundation for Chinese culture. But she never expected that as she grew older, her perception of "Chinese" would take a dramatic turn.
Shi Yuting was 7 years old
In the summer of 2005, Xiao Shi Yuting accidentally followed her father to the golf course to practice, and was immediately attracted by this sport. Despite her young age, she is surprisingly skilled in the movement of her swing, which is admirable for her talent.
In this way, a child who was supposed to play carefree started the road to being a professional athlete at the age of 7. Her parents quickly hired a coach for her and arranged an orderly training. And Shi Yuting also used her own efforts and progress to repay her parents' kindness.
In 2007, 9-year-old Shi Yuting won the runner-up in the junior group in the Zhang Lianwei Cup, and her talent was discovered. In 2009, at the age of 11, she even participated in the China Women's Professional Golf Tour, setting a record for the youngest athlete in the event!
Data shows that from 2009 to 2014, Shi Yuting won 7 "HSBC" junior golf championships and 1 runner-up. Her outstanding record of winning one crown after another surprised everyone!
In 2014, there was only one last step left before Shi Yuting represented China in the Incheon Asian Games. This year, the Japanese government threw a very tempting "olive branch" to Shi Yuting.
As long as she becomes a Japanese citizen, the Japanese side will be able to provide her with:
1. Full guidance from a senior coaching team;
2. All-round high-quality training facilities;
3. Sufficient training funds;
4. Generous prize money;
5. Green Lane to International Competitions
This is undoubtedly the most heart-warming temptation for a 16-year-old young athlete. However, unexpectedly, Shi Yuting categorically refused, and she solemnly stated: "I bleed Chinese blood, and I only wear China on my chest!"
In just one sentence, it is intriguing. While most people think naturalization is more affordable, Shi Yuting sticks to her choice. "As a Chinese, my heart is full of Chinese culture. "
Shi Yuting said in an interview, "Even though we live abroad, our family has never forgotten our roots. Every festive season, my mother will make the stuffing herself, and we make dumplings or dumplings together as a family.
So, Shi Yuting stuck to a pure heart and fought alone on the golf course, although she was covered in bruises, she never wavered. Her tenacity and hard work paid off, and in 2016, at the age of 18, she won her first professional title, which was just the beginning.
Counting Shi Yuting's records, it is really staggering: 2018 Beijing Women's Elite Champion, 2019 Japanese Medical Engineering Women's Open Champion, 2020 Japan Tour Group 1 Champion, 2022 "Salombas Cup" Women's Championship Kick-off Distance No. 1... This Chinese girl who grew up in Japan is like a wild horse out of the mud and unstained, catching up bravely on the world stage and winning countless laurels!
So, where did Shi Yuting's unswerving persistence come from? In fact, in addition to the influence of her family, her own unique experience is also a major reason.
"Once on the streets of Japan, I met some Japanese girls of the same age in kimonos. When they thought I was Japanese, I firmly told them: I am Chinese!" "At that time, I understood how important it is to maintain national self-esteem, no matter what the circumstances. "
As a result, before every game, Shi Yuting would write the two big words "China" on her jersey with a marker, which became the most eye-catching scene. "This is a blessing to my motherland, and the eyes of the whole world are focused on us Chinese." Shi Yuting explained.
With the support of this national pride, Shi Yuting's golf path has been tortuous, but she has never lost herself. In the face of high-intensity training and long preparations, she can grit her teeth and move forward; In the case of occasional defeats, she can also see them as precipitation and find herself in peace.
"Golf is a very mental sport, and if you are not careful, you will be at a loss. Shi Yuting said humbly in an interview, "The reason why I can get to where I am today is not only because of my unremitting efforts, but also because of my parents' words and deeds, which gives me absolute self-confidence in myself." "
Indeed, Shi Yuting's tenacity is not only influenced by her parents, but also inseparable from her unique experience of growing up in Japan. Being discriminated against again and again in a foreign country and being treated as an "outsider" again and again undoubtedly made her realize early on how difficult it is to be a Chinese.
However, it is this struggle that has also strengthened her roots in the motherland. "If even I, a Chinese born in Japan, lose my culture, will we overseas Chinese be assimilated in the future?" Shi Yuting used to be so worried.
So, on the golf course, Shi Yuting became a fluttering five-star red flag, and both opponents and spectators sincerely admired this girl's cultural self-confidence. As a Chinese athlete, Shi Yuting not only has excellent skills, but also her dedication and care for the motherland. "In her, we see the national pride of the new era." "
Once upon a time, Shi Yuting's "alternative" insistence also aroused heated discussions in public opinion. On the one hand, there are populist voices questioning her "eating inside and out", and on the other hand, she has a reputation as a "Chinese spiritual idol".
"I just want the world to see that there are patriotic Chinese in Japan! The motherland is my eternal source of strength!" In the face of repeated entanglements in public opinion, Shi Yuting said bluntly. And her outstanding performance on the field also made all voices finally die down.
In August this year, the Shi Yuting sisters won glory for their country at the US Women's Open, and her sister Shi Yuli finally won the runner-up in this top event. Watching her sister lift the trophy, Shi Yuting cried with joy, as if she had won the championship in person. "Although the last step is far away, my sister has already made history!" Shi Yuting said proudly, "As Chinese athletes, we have finally shined on the world stage. "
Shi Yuting is now 29 years old, and her golf career has passed the balance period and is waiting to set a record line. Looking back on the hardships along the way, she was full of emotion. "If I had chosen to become a naturalized citizen in Japan, would I have had a smoother career path? Shi Yuting said, "Because through these years of tempering, I have discovered another meaning of adhering to the identity of the motherland, which is not only the pride of the nation, but also the sublimation of the individual." "
Therefore, when the Japanese government offered a heavy price and hoped that Shi Yuting would join the national team, she was unwavering in her heart. This girl, who was born in Japan, would rather choose a path of no return full of thorns than fight on behalf of China completely.
With such a firm belief, Shi Yuting can be said to be forging ahead on the road of golf. In 2019, she won the Japanese Medical Workers' Women's Open; In 2020, she performed a miracle in the Group 1 of the Japan Tour, beating the top teams; In 2022, she sang all the way, dominating the "Salombas Cup" with a long-distance kick-off.
"Every time I stand on the podium, I always have joy in my heart. Because this is not only my personal honor, but also the pride of the entire Chinese nation!" Shi Yuting said, "As a Chinese athlete, I feel that no matter how hard I work, it is worth it. "
As a veteran of a hundred battles, Shi Yuting is also willing to give guidance to the younger generations. "The competition stage is the place where the real skills are tested, and all kinds of difficulties will erupt there. Only by facing the cruel reality and constantly overcoming the fear in our hearts can we continue to make progress. She said earnestly.
It is with this tenacious and hard-working professionalism that Shi Yuting has won the love and respect of countless people. Especially in the hearts of Chinese fans, she is the brightest star, always dazzling.
A veteran fan commented: "As a Chinese, I am extremely proud of Shi Yuting! She is like the epitome of the Chinese nation, with the simplicity and kindness of the core of oriental culture, and at the same time has a tenacious and unyielding fighting spirit. "
Another netizen also praised sincerely: "Shi Yuting is an amazing girl! In this society that values business interests, she has chosen the most difficult path, but she has long been sonorous and powerful, and no one can match her." "
A Chinese in Japan sighed: "I have also lived in a foreign country, and I have personally experienced the loneliness and depression. So Shi Yuting's deeds shocked me too much, she showed the backbone and national pride of the Chinese with practical actions!"
It seems that Shi Yuting's story is not only the rise of a simple athlete, but also the pride and self-confidence of the nation. She is like a mirror that illuminates every yellow-skinned child on the land of the motherland, no matter where you are, you can never forget your roots.
In the future career, we have reason to believe that Shi Yuting will write a more exciting chapter. And her moving deeds will surely infect and inspire more compatriots to pursue national integrity and defend the glory of the motherland!
So what do you have to say?Feel free to leave a comment!#头条创作挑战赛#
References:
Shi Yuting: The Growth of the Girl Next Door [2] --Golf--People's Daily Online
Shi Yuting went all out to hit the Tokyo Olympics