Competing in the Olympics is a dream for many kids, often tempered with a “when I grow up” clause. However, for Chinese skateboarder Zheng Haohao, that dream has become a reality at just 11 years old. Zheng is set to make her Olympic debut at the 2024 Games in Paris, showcasing her talent on the world stage.
How Did Zheng Haohao Qualify for the Olympics?
Zheng Haohao’s journey to the Olympics began just four years ago when she received a skateboard as a gift from her parents. Initially, she took up skateboarding to make new friends and have fun, but it quickly became her primary passion. Despite having only been skateboarding for a short time, Zheng has made significant strides in the sport.
Her training started at a local skateboarding club run by the father of 2023 Asian Games skateboarding champion Chen Ye. Zheng’s former coach, Wei Naizhang, praised her dedication, noting that she would immediately identify and correct any mistakes in her tricks. Zheng’s impressive skills were on display when she secured her place at the 2024 Olympics by performing a flawless “540” during the Budapest Olympic Qualifier Series. This aerial move involves spinning one and a half rotations in midair, a challenging feat for any skater.
The Youngest Olympian?
While Zheng is the youngest athlete competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, she is not the youngest Olympian of all time. That title goes to Dimitrios Loundras, a 10-year-old Greek gymnast who competed in the 1896 Athens Games and won a bronze medal. The youngest female Olympian was Italy’s Luigina Giavotti, who earned a silver medal in artistic gymnastics at the 1928 Amsterdam Games, also at the age of 11.
Other Young Skateboarders at the Olympics
Zheng Haohao is not alone in her youth. She will compete against other young skateboarders, including 12-year-old Vareeraya Sukasem from Thailand, 13-year-old Heili Sirvio from Finland, and 14-year-old Fay De Fazio Ebert from Canada. The women’s park skateboarding event is scheduled for August 6, 2024.
What Does Zheng’s Family Think?
Zheng’s mother, Wang Ze, is understandably proud of her daughter’s achievements but has expressed concerns about the sport’s rough nature. Wang admitted to GD Today that she used to worry about the injuries Zheng would sustain, including those to her teeth and legs. Despite these concerns, Wang supports Zheng’s passion and commitment to skateboarding.
In summary, Zheng Haohao is an extraordinary young athlete making waves in the skateboarding world. Her early success and dedication have earned her a place in the Olympics, where she will undoubtedly capture the attention of skateboarding fans and the broader Olympic audience.
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