Two Sessions·Youth Q&A | "Post-90s" Olympic Champion Zhang Yufei: Learning to Look Forward, Not Backward, Through Highs and Lows

[Youth Story]

In 2016, in Rio, 18-year-old swimmer Zhang Yufei made her Olympic debut. Sporting a high ponytail, she grinned confidently: "It’s time for Nezha to step onto the stage!" Unfortunately, she didn’t manage to secure a victory that day.

The setback hit her hard, but it ultimately brought her invaluable lessons. In the years that followed, she experienced both moments of triumph and crushing lows—but no matter what, she learned to look forward, never dwelling on the past. Like "Nezha Reborn," she eventually soared to gold at the Tokyo Olympics, successfully "making waves" in the pool.

Today, Zhang Yufei has achieved remarkable success—winning a total of 10 medals across three Olympic Games. She’s long since turned the pool into her personal training ground for life.

This "post-90s" National People's Congress delegate and renowned Olympic champion impresses everyone with her ever-resilient fighting spirit, her courageous sense of patriotism, and her confident, youthful charm.

The reporter asked her how she would describe the qualities of "Post-90s" NPC deputies. She replied: creative, unconventional, and passionate...

On July 29, 2023, during the women's 50-meter butterfly final at the 2023 World Swimming Championships held in Fukuoka, Japan, Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei (far left) clinched the silver medal with a time of 25.05 seconds, also breaking the Asian record for the event. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhang Xiaoyu.

[Youth Q&A]

Reporter: Which issues are you most concerned about this year during the Two Sessions?

Zhang Yufei: As an athlete, I’m still more focused on issues related to the sports field. One suggestion I’ve brought this time also ties into the selection and development of young athletic talent.

Currently, the pathways for selecting and nurturing young sports talent are relatively limited, which not only discourages some teenagers from pursuing competitive sports as a career but also hinders the development of a robust pipeline for future athletic talent. I propose streamlining the youth sports competition system to break down barriers between registered and non-registered athletes in youth events.

Reporter: Sports are an essential part of education—if you were tasked with designing a physical education class, what would it look like?

Zhang Yufei: My reflections on youth sports education have always revolved around two key points—“passion” and “growth.”

If I were tasked with designing a physical education class, I’d want it to feel like an open window—showing kids the limitless possibilities of movement, rather than a wall marked by scores and rankings. What we should teach children isn’t how to outdo others, but how to connect with their bodies through sports, cultivating energy that lasts a lifetime.

At the same time, I’ll also share my own experiences competing and growing, integrating resilience-building into sports scenarios to help children develop stronger coping skills under pressure.

On September 19, 2024, Zhang Yufei spoke at the "Champion Lecture Series." Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Luo Yuan.

Reporter: Although you didn’t win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, your ability to stay strong under pressure and your unwavering determination to never give up have inspired countless people. How do you approach difficulties and challenges?

Zhang Yufei: "You must persevere and never give up. When faced with difficulties and challenges, young people sometimes hesitate and struggle—but deep down, isn’t everyone eager to break through their limits? After the Paris Olympics, there was a period when I really wanted to ‘lie flat,’ but after lying around for two weeks, I eventually pulled myself together and started doing something meaningful again, determined to make my life even more fulfilling. I think most young people probably feel the same way."

True breakthroughs always happen after finding the right rhythm—something sports have taught me. Life isn’t a 50-meter sprint lane; it’s more like a 200-meter medley, where you need to carefully manage your energy. Competitive sports have shown me that real perseverance isn’t about endlessly paddling without ever feeling tired—it’s about knowing when to briefly lift your head and catch your breath during those crucial moments of transition.

Just like when I prepare for a competition—before the event, I make sure to adjust my routine, allowing my muscles to get plenty of rest and helping my mind shift from tension to relaxation. That way, I can step onto the stage feeling fully energized and ready to perform at my best.

Perhaps the anxiety some young people feel about "pauses" stems from viewing life as a one-way race—but sports have taught me:Growth follows a spiraling, upward curve—when you hit rock bottom and gather your strength, you often bounce back even higher.

Reporter: After three Olympic experiences, what’s been your biggest takeaway and personal change?

Zhang Yufei: "Actually, every Olympic Games has challenged and expanded my understanding. From the setback in Rio to winning two golds and two silvers in Tokyo, and then claiming one silver and five bronzes in Paris—each step has been incredibly rewarding. Some people regret that I didn’t manage to grab a gold medal in Paris, but at this stage, my mindset has become much more balanced. As Kenya’s legendary marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge once said: ‘Failure is for those who never even try—but I did, and I aimed to win.’"

Effort is meaning—this is the true essence of sports.Whether in my athletic career or in life, there will undoubtedly be ups and downs. I hope that by the time I retire, I’ll have become a more well-rounded person—someone who’s much more than just Zhang Yufei on the pool deck. Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics, I’ll approach the competition with a much lighter and more relaxed mindset than ever before.

Reporters: Wang Hengzhi, Chen Si, Lin Kai

Video and poster production: Hugo

Coordinated by: Zheng Mingda, Leng Yanyan