Passion not plaudits inspiring Wu's return

NANJING－Wu Jingyu is set to become taekwondo's first four-time Olympian at next year's Tokyo Games. However, the 33-year-old insists that making history or even winning another gold medal are not the main motivating factors behind her comeback.

"I've often been asked why I decided to return after giving birth to my daughter in 2017. I made that decision not to prove anything. I just still feel like being an athlete, purely out of love for the sport," said Wu, who will aim to add a third Olympic gold to her collection in Tokyo.

Wu booked her ticket to Tokyo after finishing runner-up in the women's under-49kg category final at last year's World Taekwondo Grand Prix Final in Moscow, but the road to qualification has been far from smooth.

"I even had to relearn running after returning from my maternity leave, and I had difficulties in adapting to the rule changes," said Wu. "For a moment during that period, I even doubted whether I used to be a taekwondo athlete or not."

She says pure determination has helped her "swallow the bitterness "of her grueling workouts. "I just wanted to show the world that I can take on challenges many others dare not," Wu added.

While attempting to qualify for Tokyo, Wu had to balance an intense training schedule with her roles as a mom and wife.

"Last year I traveled a lot to participate in Olympic qualifying events. Without the support of my family, especially my husband, I wouldn't be at this point," said Wu, whose husband, Hou Kun, is a renowned advocate of the Olympic movement.

Wu, an Olympic champion at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, admits that she will go all out in every competition like before but won't feel burdened by worrying about the outcome anymore.

"What I focus on now is to improve myself day by day. If I win gold, then that's a bonus."

Wu is vice-president of the Chinese Taekwondo Association (CTA) as well as a national team coach, but has yet to confirm her plans beyond the Tokyo Games. "I have not made up my mind on whether to serve in the CTA or coach the national team, but I will stay in the sport, that is beyond a doubt. I think it's wonderful if a person can do one thing for his or her whole life," she said.

Naturally, Wu is happy to sing taekwondo's praises, but when it comes to advising kids' on their athletic pursuits, simply urges them to choose the sport they most enjoy.

"I hope every child can find a sport they love and then stick to it," she said. "Whatever sport is fine, not necessarily taekwondo, because sport can play an important role in one's life."

Xinhua