Chinanews Client Beijing, August 17th.
Title: (Question about East and West·Chinese Athletes) Fan Zhendong: Always have a heart to compete for champions
China News Network reporter Yue Chuan
In the spring of 2012, Fan Zhendong was selected for the national table tennis team. He was a blockbuster at the age of 15 years old.
In the summer of 2021, Fan Zhendong and teammates Ma Long and Xu Xin won the men's team championship at the Tokyo Olympics.
In the tenth year of entering the national team, Fan Zhendong, who was on the highest podium of the Olympic Games, realized his childhood dream.
In addition, he also won a silver medal in singles, which is equally important.
In the past ten years, Fan Zhendong has grown from a young boy to a boy next door. He has achieved today's achievements step by step.
What remains unchanged is that humility is the same as before.
But getting the long-cherished wish is not the end.
"Little Fatty" said that he would use performance to interpret domineering; there are many expectations for the future in his eyes.
In the dialogue with Sino-Singapore Sports, Fan Zhendong shared his recent slow-paced isolation life, as well as the goal and direction of his future struggle.
On the evening of August 6, Beijing time, in the finals of the men's table tennis team at the Tokyo Olympics, the Chinese team composed of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin defeated the German team 3-0 to win the championship.
The picture shows the award ceremony.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Han Haidan
Listen to the opera
Long-lost slow-paced life
Sino-Singapore Sports: What are you doing during this period of time after returning home? Are you still used to living in isolation?
Fan Zhendong: My life in isolation is not much different from what everyone knows.
I will keep exercising every day, complete the summary, and sum up my gains and losses in this Olympics.
To me, it seems that I have never had so much time at my disposal before.
During the quarantine period, I will also listen to music and watch TV shows.
Relatively speaking, the daily pace of life is still relatively slow.
Zhongxin Sports: What song are you listening to recently? Which drama are you chasing?
Fan Zhendong: Actually, you may also know that I like to listen to Eason Chan's songs.
I can hear more in Mandarin or Cantonese.
The TV series I am watching recently is "The Great Battle".
On the evening of August 6, Beijing time, in the finals of the men's table tennis team at the Tokyo Olympics, the Chinese team composed of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin defeated the German team 3-0 to win the championship.
The picture shows Fan Zhendong in the game.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Han Haidan
China-Singapore Sports: How about food during the quarantine period? It is suspected that someone "breaks the news", you will eat double quarantine meals, is that right?
Fan Zhendong: No (laugh).
I eat normally, but I don’t absorb it normally, so I feel a little fatter.
If you are not fat, you have to eat two servings.
As for food, you don't need to worry.
In this regard, the protection for us is very good and in place.
In addition to meals, there are yogurt and fruits every day. Every meal is very rich.
Zhongxin Sports: A few days ago, you recorded a short video of fitness exercises, and the fans liked it very much. Is the next issue already on the agenda? Fans also hope you can say more when you record again.
Fan Zhendong: To be honest, I am actually not very good at these, and I don't know how to make the video very well. I belong to the "xiaobai" in this respect.
If there is a chance, I will record videos for you again, but I hope you don’t have too much expectations (laughs).
On the evening of July 30, the men's singles final of the Tokyo Olympic Games table tennis, the picture shows Fan Zhendong in the game.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Han Haidan
No need to change nickname
I want to use performance to interpret domineering
Sino-Singapore Sports: Ma Long, Xu Xin, Zhang Jike all have very domineering titles. Many fans think that "violent panda" is very suitable for you, do you like it?
Fan Zhendong: I don't think the "violent panda" is particularly domineering (laughs).
In my opinion, the title is important, but not so important.
Everyone called me "little fat" since I made my debut in the competition when I was very young, and this title has continued.
I don't think there is any need to deliberately change it now. I hope to use my performance on the field to let everyone feel my domineering.
On July 29, in the men's singles semifinals of the Tokyo Olympic Games, Chinese player Fan Zhendong defeated Chinese Taipei player Lin Yunru 4:3 to advance to the final.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Du Yang
Zhongxin Sports: Many fans will post and discuss content related to you online. We know that you don't use social software very much, but do you usually notice these? Or what will you pay attention to?
Fan Zhendong: Actually, I don't pay much attention to these.
I know that for this Olympics, everyone has paid a lot of attention to us.
For me, sometimes I still hope that everyone can focus on the arena. I also hope that I can use my performance on the arena to infect more people and bring more positive energy to everyone.
I myself like watching sports events, including other events, to see how outstanding athletes show themselves on the field.
On July 29, in the men's singles semifinals of the Tokyo Olympic Games, Chinese player Fan Zhendong defeated Chinese Taipei player Lin Yunru 4:3 to advance to the final.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Du Yang
Zhongxin Sports: What do you want to say to fans?
Fan Zhendong: First of all, I want to thank so many fans for following me, following Guoping, and supporting each of our athletes.
I will continue to work hard to improve and use my performance on the field to bring surprises and joy to everyone.
facing the future
Always have a heart to compete for champions
China-Singapore Sports: The Olympic Games have been over for some time. Looking back at this moment, are there any new experiences?
Fan Zhendong: This is certainly true.
Because of the isolation, I will have more time, so I will first summarize the Tokyo Olympic cycle in the past five years.
The Olympics is the biggest competition I have ever participated in.
For me, there are many gains, but also many gains and losses can be summarized.
I will look and think about it, hoping that these will help me in the future.
On the evening of August 6, Beijing time, in the finals of the men's table tennis team at the Tokyo Olympics, the Chinese team composed of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin defeated the German team 3-0 to win the championship.
Zhongxin Sports: You are still very young, but it will be ten years since you entered the national team for the first time. How do you feel at such a time point?
Fan Zhendong: For me, this time is very fulfilling and meaningful.
In fact, this year is very special. I am still very emotional to be able to participate in the Olympics, become an Olympic champion, and realize my childhood dreams.
The most important thing is to thank our country for providing protection and opportunities for athletes to show themselves under such special circumstances.
I am very grateful to be an Olympic champion.
On the evening of August 6, Beijing time, in the finals of the men's table tennis team at the Tokyo Olympics, the Chinese team composed of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin defeated the German team 3-0 to win the championship.
Sino-Singapore Sports: Facing the future, what goals have you set for yourself?
Fan Zhendong: I think for every athlete, since they have chosen to compete in the field of sports, in fact, everyone's goal is to be a champion.
I think there is no doubt about this, because all athletes have a heart to fight for the championship forever.
For me, the Tokyo Olympic cycle is over, but in the next cycle, I will face more new tests and challenges.
As I said earlier, I need to summarize the gains and shortcomings, and then do better in future games.
(Finish)