Zhang Yufei: 2024 was vibrant and unforgettable, and the story of my growth continues into 2025.

•3 min read
Zhang Yufei: 2024 was vibrant and unforgettable, and the story of my growth continues into 2025.
On December 31, Beijing time, Olympic champion Zhang Yufei updated her social media and shared a year-end summary video.

Zhang Yufei wrote: "2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣, vibrant and thrilling ❤️‍, with dreams of being a princess—and a touch of knightly spirit. The journey ahead is still long, so please dance with me."
In the video, Zhang Yufei also reflected on her 2024 year, saying: "Winning an Olympic gold medal—it’s something that happens when everything aligns perfectly: the right timing, the right place, and the right people. It’s not as simple as just putting in the effort; after all, so many athletes work incredibly hard. But there’s only one Olympic champion—so who ends up claiming it?"
"2024 flew by in the blink of an eye. Looking back, I can still vividly recall the excitement and nerves I felt every time I glanced at those Olympic countdown boards during springtime. Now, at 26 years old, I’ve completed my third Olympic Games—and this time, I’ve added six more Olympic medals to my collection. Of course, there were plenty of unexpected twists along the way; plans often seemed to outpace the ever-changing reality. And while the gold medals weren’t quite as plentiful as I’d hoped, coming just shy of my ultimate dream—breaking the world record—I’m still profoundly grateful for this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you goes to my coach and team—Paris was truly a tough ride, and I couldn’t have made it through without your unwavering support. We weathered countless challenges together, explored new places, embraced fresh experiences, and even reached brand-new heights, discovering breathtaking vistas along the way. This year alone, my travels took me across 24 cities, but unfortunately, overuse led to a shoulder injury, forcing me to take an extended two-month break for the first time in years. It was exactly what I needed—a chance to recharge, catch up on sleep, binge-watch some movies, dive into learning and traveling, and even connect with new friends. Beyond the pool, I’ve been working hard to broaden my horizons and pave a wider path for myself. And though there were moments of regret this year, those very setbacks have now added a golden touch to my journey. After all, isn’t that, in itself, a beautiful kind of fulfillment?"
"The 2025 train bound for Los Angeles is about to depart—next stop, the Greater Bay Area. Only by taking each step steadily can we move forward smoothly and go far. Don’t you agree? The story of our growth is still unfolding, so join me in looking forward to even greater horizons ahead."
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