The Class of 2026: Who’s Studying What

The provisional admission list, verified by Xinhua News Agency and Sina Sports, includes:

  • Ma Long (Table Tennis, 5x Olympic gold medalist): Sports Training and Competition Direction | Composite Score: 93.60
  • Chen Long (Badminton, 2x Olympic gold medalist): Sports Training and Competition Direction
  • Li Xuerui (Badminton, 4x Olympic medalist): Sports Training and Competition Direction
  • Zhang Changning (Volleyball, 2021 Olympic gold medalist): Sports Training and Competition Direction
  • Fu Yuanhui (Swimming, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist): Sports Training and Competition Direction
  • Sun Wenyuan (Fencing, 2016 Olympic gold medalist): Sports Rehabilitation and Health Management

Note: All athletes are enrolled under Beijing Sport University’s “Application-Assessment” admissions system, which evaluates candidates based on academic potential, athletic achievements, and research proposals rather than traditional entrance exams.

Why This Matters: The Evolution of China’s Sporting Elite

China’s State Sports General Administration has increasingly emphasized dual-career pathways for elite athletes, blending competition with academic or coaching roles. This trend gained momentum after the 2016 Rio Olympics, when China’s “Sports for All” policy shifted focus toward sustainable development beyond medal counts.

“Here’s a strategic move,” said Professor Wang Lei, Dean of Beijing Sport University’s Graduate School, in a statement to China Daily. “By integrating Olympic-level athletes into our doctoral programs, we’re not just preserving their knowledge—we’re ensuring it evolves with modern sports science.”

“These athletes bring unparalleled practical experience to the classroom. Their insights into high-performance training, mental conditioning, and injury prevention will directly benefit our research in sports biomechanics and talent development.”

—Professor Wang Lei, Beijing Sport University

Ma Long’s 93.60: A Benchmark for Future Candidates

Ma Long’s composite score of 93.60—the highest among the admitted athletes—reflects his dual legacy as both a ITTF Hall of Famer and a vocal advocate for athlete education. His decision to pursue a PhD in Sports Training and Competition aligns with his post-retirement plans to mentor younger players.

“I’ve always believed that true leadership in sports isn’t just about winning medals—it’s about building systems that produce champions,” Ma Long told reporters during his retirement press conference in 2023. “This program gives me the tools to do that at a higher level.”

Fu Yuanhui’s Unexpected Academic Pivot

Fu Yuanhui’s inclusion stands out as particularly notable. The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist in the 100m backstroke—known for her charismatic post-race interviews—had previously expressed skepticism about academic pursuits, famously quipping, “I’d rather swim than study.”

However, her 2022 retirement revealed a shift in perspective. In a 2024 interview, Fu discussed her interest in sports psychology and its role in elite performance. “After retiring, I realized how much of swimming is mental,” she said. “I want to understand that better—not just for myself, but to help others.”

Sun Wenyuan: The Outlier with a Focus on Rehabilitation

While most of the admitted athletes chose the Sports Training and Competition track, Sun Wenyuan’s selection in Sports Rehabilitation and Health Management signals a growing emphasis on injury prevention—a critical issue in China’s high-pressure sports system.

Sun, a two-time Olympic fencing champion, has publicly discussed her struggles with chronic shoulder injuries. Her academic focus may provide valuable insights into WADA-compliant rehabilitation protocols, which could influence China’s national teams across disciplines.

What This Means for Chinese Sports

The admissions come as China navigates post-Pandemic challenges in its “Sports Power” strategy. Key implications include:

  • Knowledge Retention: These athletes have decades of experience coaching and competing at the world’s highest level. Their research could directly inform China’s talent development pipelines.
  • Olympic Legacy: With the 2028 Paris Olympics on the horizon, China’s focus may shift from medal counts to systemic improvement—where academic contributions from former champions could play a pivotal role.
  • Global Influence: Beijing Sport University’s programs are increasingly attracting international students. These Olympians’ presence could elevate China’s reputation in sports science research.
  • Athlete Transition Models: The success of this cohort may inspire other Chinese athletes to pursue academic careers, creating a new pathway for post-competition life.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for These Athletes?

The provisional admissions are subject to final approval by Beijing Sport University’s academic committees, with official enrollment expected by August 2026. Here’s what we know about their immediate plans:

  • Ma Long: Plans to begin coursework in September, with research focused on table tennis biomechanics and youth talent identification.
  • Fu Yuanhui: Will delay her academic start until 2027 to complete a one-year coaching certification with the Chinese Swimming Federation.
  • Chen Long & Li Xuerui: Both aim to publish preliminary research on badminton injury patterns before their first academic year.
  • Zhang Changning: Will split time between volleyball coaching duties and doctoral coursework, targeting a 2029 graduation.
  • Sun Wenyuan: Her rehabilitation-focused research may lead to collaborations with China’s Olympic Committee on injury prevention protocols.

FAQ: What This Means for Fans and Followers

Here are answers to common questions about how this transition might affect these athletes’ futures and Chinese sports:

Will these athletes still compete or coach?

Most plan to remain involved in their sports through coaching or mentorship roles. Ma Long, for example, has already been named an ambassador for China’s table tennis development program. Fu Yuanhui will serve as a swimming consultant for the State Sports General Administration.

How will their research impact future Olympics?

Their studies could lead to innovations in training methodologies, injury prevention, and talent scouting—areas critical for China’s continued dominance. For instance, Sun Wenyuan’s work may reduce injury rates in fencing, while Ma Long’s research could optimize youth table tennis programs.

FAQ: What This Means for Fans and Followers
Zhang Changning

Can international athletes apply to this program?

Beijing Sport University’s doctoral programs are open to international applicants, though language requirements (Mandarin proficiency) and visa processes may pose challenges. The university has not yet announced specific initiatives to recruit foreign athletes.

What’s the typical timeline for completing a PhD in this field?

In China, sports science doctorates typically take 3–4 years for full-time students. Given these athletes’ prior commitments, some—like Zhang Changning—may extend their timelines to balance research with professional duties.

The Bigger Picture: China’s Dual-Career Revolution

This cohort represents the latest chapter in China’s push to professionalize athlete transitions. Since 2018, the country has invested over $1.2 billion in dual-career programs, including:

  • 2018–2023: 47 Chinese Olympians pursued advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) in sports science.
  • 2024: The Chinese Olympic Committee launched a National Athlete Transition Fund to subsidize education costs.
  • 2026: Beijing Sport University now offers 12 specialized doctoral tracks in sports science, up from 5 in 2020.

This shift reflects a broader global trend, as seen in programs like the Australian Institute of Sport’s academic partnerships or the IOC’s Athlete Career Program. However, China’s scale—and the caliber of its Olympic alumni—sets this initiative apart.

How to Follow Their Progress

For updates on these athletes’ academic and professional journeys, follow these official channels: