Former Olympian Ding takes new path

Olympic champion Ding Ning has taken on a series of new roles in recent years, transitioning from an athlete to a Peking University teacher, and from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), continuously forging new paths on the journey of life.

"I have participated in so many major competitions, faced so many people, but today there was indeed a moment when my mind went blank," Ding said, recalling the OCA announcement of her election as a member of the Athletes' Committee at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Saturday. The table tennis Olympic champion, who has experienced many ups and downs, found herself at a loss for words.

After leaving the news conference hall, Ding went for a walk to absorb the news.

"Not long ago, I received the news of my candidacy for the Athletes' Committee. For the past 10-plus days, I have been busy with the election at the Asian Games. Just like everyone else, I learned about my selection only a few minutes ago," Ding said.

From Heilongjiang to Beijing, from Olympic champion to captain of China's women's table tennis team, in 2021, Ding chose to retire and pursue further studies at Peking University. During this time, she also became a member of the Heilongjiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

This July, Ding graduated with a master's degree from Peking University and stayed on campus as a teacher. The multiple changes in her career over the past two years have already taught Ding how to adapt quickly.

However, the beginning is always difficult, and joining the Asian Olympic Council is no exception.

"Because it was the first-ever election of the OCA Athletes' Committee, I didn't have any reference points. I had to feel my way, even though I have an outgoing personality. Introducing myself to everyone every day requires great initiative. I was shy and needed time to adapt," Ding said.

But with her cheerful personality, the 33-year-old quickly found her rhythm. "Candidates come from different countries and regions, with diverse sporting backgrounds. The process of communication has been a great experience."

Xinhua