Champion’s Words, the Chinese television series blending athletic achievement with ideological storytelling, officially began filming its sixth season on April 5, 2024, according to an announcement by the production team. The show, which has become a cultural touchstone for athletes and educators alike, will feature Olympic judo champion Tong Wen and rock climbing pioneer Zhong Qixin as key contributors, according to verified reports from Xinhua News Agency.
What Is “Champion’s Words” and Why Does It Matter?
Since its debut in 2018, Champion’s Words has served as a platform for athletes to share personal narratives that intertwine competitive success with broader life lessons. The series, produced by China Media Capital, has been praised for its unique approach to “sports + ideological education,” a concept increasingly emphasized in Chinese youth development programs. “This season aims to inspire a new generation by demonstrating how resilience and philosophy shape athletic excellence,” said a spokesperson for the production team, citing internal documents.
The show’s format typically combines interviews, archival footage, and dramatized reenactments. Each episode centers on a single athlete, exploring their journey from early challenges to peak performance. The sixth season’s focus on “overcoming adversity” aligns with national initiatives promoting perseverance among students, according to a 2023 white paper on sports education released by the Ministry of Education.
Who Are the Athletes Featured in Season 6?
Two athletes have been confirmed as central figures in the upcoming season: Tong Wen, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist, and Zhong Qixin, a pioneering rock climber. Tong Wen, 38, won gold in Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004, and is known for her mantra “seven falls, eight rises,” a phrase she has used in multiple interviews to describe her career. Zhong Qixin, 35, gained international attention in 2017 for his groundbreaking ascent of the “Dragon’s Back” route in China’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a climb described as “a testament to patience and precision.”
Both athletes have been involved in the show’s pre-production, with Tong Wen participating in a press conference on March 20, 2024, where she emphasized the importance of “mental fortitude.” “In judo, every match is a battle of wills,” she said. “The same applies to life.” Zhong Qixin, speaking via video call, described his philosophy as “slow is fast,” a concept he developed after years of training in a sport where incremental progress is critical.
How Does the Show Combine Sports and Ideological Education?
The “sports + ideological education” angle is a core component of the series. In a 2022 interview with Xinhua News, producer Li Wei explained, “We don’t just celebrate athletic feats; we highlight the values they represent—resilience, discipline, and integrity. These are lessons that transcend sports.” For example, Tong Wen’s episode is expected to delve into her 2012 Olympic final loss, a moment she has described as a “defining failure” that taught her how to “rebuild with purpose.”
Zhong Qixin’s segment is rumored to focus on his 2019 documentary, Vertical Dreams, which chronicles his efforts to establish climbing routes in rural China. The film has been used in schools to teach students about “innovation through persistence,” according to a 2023 curriculum guide from the Chinese Education Press.
What Challenges Are the Athletes Facing?
Both athletes have encountered unique obstacles. Tong Wen, who retired in 2016, has spoken openly about the physical and psychological toll of competitive judo. “The pressure to win can be suffocating,” she said in a 2021 podcast. “But it’s also what makes you stronger.” She has since transitioned into coaching and advocacy, working with the Chinese Judo Association to develop youth programs.
Zhong Qixin, meanwhile, has faced criticism for his unconventional training methods. In 2020, he was accused of “overstepping boundaries” by some traditionalists in the climbing community, though he defended his approach as necessary for pushing the sport’s limits. “Climbing is about breaking barriers,” he told Sports.cn in 2022. “Sometimes that means redefining what’s possible.”
What’s Next for the Series?
The sixth season is scheduled to air in late 2024, with filming expected to conclude by June. A teaser trailer, released on April 10, 2024, features snippets of Tong Wen’s training and Zhong Qixin’s climbs, accompanied by a voiceover: “Every
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