Table tennis player Zeng Zhiying fulfilled her lifelong dream of competing in the Olympics at the age of 58, despite losing her opening match for Chile. Playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd with a vocal contingent of Chilean supporters, Zeng found the experience deeply rewarding.

Originally from Guangzhou, China, Zeng represented China as a young player before retiring at 20. After moving to Chile 35 years ago, she put down her table tennis bat, focusing on coaching and later her business. It wasn't until the pandemic that she returned to the sport, quickly ascending to become one of South America’s top players.

In Paris, Zeng faced 46-year-old Mariana Sahakian of Lebanon, losing 4-1 in the preliminary round. Despite the defeat, she cherished the opportunity to compete on the Olympic stage. “After 30 years I came back to table tennis, and now that I have been able to play at the Olympics, my dream came true,” Zeng shared, speaking Spanish with a Chilean accent.

Chosen for China’s national team at 16, Zeng’s career stalled before table tennis became an Olympic sport in 1988. She eventually moved to Chile to coach and later stepped away from the sport to focus on her business. Her return to the sport has been remarkable, culminating in her Olympic appearance.

Zeng hinted at the possibility of competing in future Olympics, despite the physical challenges, stating, “I will always keep playing until my body says stop.” Her match against Sahakian, played at a slower pace compared to other matches, showcased her resilience and determination.

Zeng’s story is more than just an athletic achievement; it is a narrative of overcoming obstacles, reigniting passion, and achieving dreams against the odds. It reminds us that it is never too late to pursue our aspirations and that the human spirit can triumph over challenges with determination and hard work.

Her journey from a young prodigy in China to an Olympic competitor for Chile illustrates the universal values of dedication and resilience, making her an inspiration for athletes and non-athletes alike.