Olympic and Asian Games champions visited Chengwu Elementary School in Luding County on Nov. 10 to share stories of athletic resilience with students.
The outreach event was part of a tour celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March victory, tibet3.com reported.
Student guides welcomed athletes Zou Jingyuan, Li Yuehong, Jia Yifan, Deng Yawen, and Deng Zhiwei upon their arrival at the campus, introducing them to school history and red-themed artwork.
Deng Zhiwei held a familiar connection to the grounds as an alumnus of the institution. He captured the men’s single sculls gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September, making history as Garze Prefecture’s first Asian Games champion, tibet3.com reported.
“From judo and track and field to rowing, every step was not easy,” Deng Zhiwei told tibet3.com, encouraging students to cherish their education and strive for national honors.
Gymnastics Olympic champion Zou Jingyuan addressed the assembly when students asked about his path to the top podium. “Athletes look glamorous, but everyone goes through injuries and low points,” Zou said, according to tibet3.com. “I also thought about giving up, but ultimately gritted my teeth and persevered.”
Shooting champion Li Yuehong and BMX freestyle gold medalist Deng Yawen rallied with students at the table tennis tables, while badminton Olympic champion Jia Yifan provided technical coaching on the courts, tibet3.com reported.
Fourth-grader Tian Zhiwei sparred with Jia during the badminton session, earning praise from the veteran player for his skills, tibet3.com reported.
“My blood flows with red genes, and the indomitable Long March spirit of forging ahead supports me in constantly overcoming difficulties in training,” Deng Zhiwei told tibet3.com.
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