"The Significance of Sports Far Exceeds Gold Medals" (Dialogue with Sports Legends)

(Original title: “The Meaning of Sports Goes Beyond Gold Medals” — Dialogue with Table Tennis Star Chen Meng)

From joining the national team at age 13 to winning World Cup and World Championships titles, and claiming women’s singles gold medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, Chen Meng’s athletic career is filled with many highlights. Her crossover ventures into acting and variety shows have also attracted much attention. Recently, our reporter had a conversation with Chen Meng, listening to her tell her story and discuss her future.

— Editor

Brief Biography of the Star

Chen Meng, born in 1994, started playing table tennis at age 5. In August 2024, Chen Meng won the women’s singles table tennis gold at the Paris Olympics, becoming the third athlete to defend her title in this event. To date, Chen Meng has won 14 world championships.

Talking About the Arena —

“Competitive sports have no shortcuts; the effort you put in determines your gains.”

Question: You’ve always been very dedicated on the court, often competing injured. What keeps you going?

Answer: Every athlete has tough times. For me, the hardest period was before the 2024 Paris Olympics. I had a severe back injury, and it was the most losing streak in my career. Facing repeated defeats, I felt very disappointed in myself. But my personality is like this — if I do something, I give it my all; if not, I don’t do it at all. I kept telling myself: grit my teeth and fight through every match, I must stand on the Paris court. In the end, I did it.

Question: After the Paris Olympics, you took some rest, then returned to competition at the 15th National Games. What was your physical and mental state at that time?

Answer: The moment I stepped onto the court, I felt very excited — far more anticipation than nervousness. Being able to swing my racket and hit the ball on the court is priceless to me. I did have some worries about whether I could continue competing at a high level, but as long as I gave my best, I could accept whatever the outcome was. So, my mindset remained positive.

Question: You previously said, “Nine months without systematic training, muscles are gone.” Did you waver during your recovery and preparation?

Answer: The recovery phase was very tough; the whole process was exhausting. Initially, my body reacted strongly — muscle soreness piled up daily, and treatments and rehab were overwhelming. But I knew clearly that there are no shortcuts in competitive sports; the effort you put in determines your gains. During that time, I was in pain almost every day, but I was very determined and grounded — I never thought of giving up.

Question: You are calm and composed on the court, but friendly and smiling in post-match interviews. Your contrasting image leaves a deep impression on many.

Answer: On the court, I must stay serious and focused, fully immersed in competition. I always hold respect for the training hall and the arena — once I step in, I’m ready to fight at any moment. Off the court, interactions with others require closeness; I’m not a “cold face,” and I can relax and be myself.

Talking About Crossover —

“Athletes also have a rich, three-dimensional side.”

Question: Since the Paris Olympics, you’ve participated less in international competitions and appeared more in TV dramas, fashion events, and variety shows. Are these new attempts part of a planned career transition, or are you exploring different aspects of life?

Answer: I used to focus daily on table tennis. Now, I want to try as many new things as possible to make my life more diverse. These experiences bring many different sensations. I want everyone to see that athletes also have a rich, multi-faceted side.

Question: Will these crossover pursuits affect your focus on sports?

Answer: They don’t conflict. Focus means giving your all to one thing. When I was competing intensely, I focused on playing well in every match; when participating in fashion events, I focus on showcasing myself; when filming variety shows, I focus on expanding my horizons. Whatever I do, once I start, I put my whole heart into it. Crossover activities and professional focus are not mutually exclusive.

Question: Will you continue to compete in table tennis in the future?

Answer: Yes, as long as there are suitable competitions, I will participate. My heart is always in the arena. I will also arrange training based on circumstances, and I often watch young players train, providing them with technical guidance.

Question: There are many children learning table tennis now, but only a few can balance studies and training to pursue a professional path. What’s your view on this?

Answer: Champions are ultimately a minority. Not every child who plays table tennis can become a champion. But the significance of sports goes far beyond medals. Playing table tennis teaches kids how to face adversity and seek breakthroughs — qualities that benefit growth. Besides technical skills, sports also help children learn about teamwork, friendship, and mutual help, fostering cooperation in groups.

Question: Many fans are curious about your next plans. What would you like to say to them?

Answer: Fans and I know each other through table tennis. We share a common passion. Whether fighting on the court or promoting the sport, I hope to give back through my actions. I will never leave table tennis; I will always stay closely connected to this sport.

Talking About the Future —

“On one hand, I focus on recovery and preparing for competitions; on the other, I help young players grow.”

Question: After helping Shandong team win the national table tennis women’s team gold medal again after 12 years, you said “enjoyment” and “happiness” were your biggest gains. What does this reflect about your mindset change?

Answer: In the past, I was obsessed with winning and losing. Now, I want to show sportsmanship and the power of perseverance on the court. Returning to competition after nearly a year is a form of courage. I no longer focus too much on the results but on the process.

Question: You were relatively silent with the media during your injury period, but after the Paris Olympics, you’re more willing to express yourself. Why this change?

Answer: During intense competition periods, I didn’t want to talk too much about injuries. On one hand, revealing too much might give opponents more information; on the other, I always believed that once I step onto the court, everything unrelated to the game should be left behind. Now, I’m willing to share openly because each competition is fewer than before, and there’s nothing to hide. The outside world already knows about my injuries, and facing them openly makes me feel lighter.

Question: Looking back at the ups and downs of honors, injuries, peaks, and lows, what are your feelings?

Answer: These experiences have helped me confront and overcome difficulties at each stage, keeping me alert and constantly improving myself. During lows, I felt despair, but I never gave up. As long as I don’t fall or give up, I can still achieve what I want.

Question: What are your plans after retirement?

Answer: I haven’t made long-term plans yet. For now, I focus on recovery and competition preparation, and I also help young players grow. Seeing their progress makes me proud.

Question: What would you like to say to young athletes?

Answer: Don’t give up in adversity, dare to win in competitions, and be resilient when facing difficulties. These qualities can only be truly understood through personal experience. They are the most valuable spiritual assets of an athlete.

(Written by Wang Shuo and Guang Chenxi)