Shi Zhiyong: A 5-liter beverage barrel filled with acupuncture needles, and more than 50 injections were given in half a year.
2024-08-11
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Photo by Cao Can, Xinhua News Agency"I have not let myself down." The day after the competition, Shi Zhiyong posted a long article on social media reviewing the men's 73kg weightlifting competition at the Paris Olympics on the 8th.
In the competition on the 8th, Shi Zhiyong was 10 kilograms ahead of his opponent in the snatch, but he failed three times in the clean and jerk and missed the podium.
"My third Olympic Games ended with regret. I am sorry for everyone's expectations of me, but I have not let myself down. I have given my all to participate in the Olympics." The two-time Olympic champion's preparations for the Paris Olympics were full of difficulties. A serious back injury forced him to stay away from the international arena for more than two years.
"For the dream of winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals, I have been receiving acupuncture treatment every day. The needles have filled a 5-liter beverage bucket. From February this year to now, I have received more than 50 injections. But being able to stand on the Olympic arena, all the efforts are worth it."
One month before the Olympics, Shi Zhiyong's back injury improved significantly, and his results in the snatch competition on the 8th also gave him confidence.
"In this competition, I established a 10kg advantage in the snatch, which was a dream start. Considering my opponent's strength in the clean and jerk and the only goal of winning the gold medal, I decided to set the opening weight at 191kg, forcing my opponent to lift 202kg to beat me."In response to many netizens' doubts about Shi Zhiyong's starting weight in the clean and jerk that day, he said:
"But my waist was a little weak in the push-up phase during the first attempt, so I failed. Continuous attempts also exhausted me. I really tried my best in the third attempt. After I flipped the barbell, I heard a 'pop' sound from the adductor muscle of my left leg. Upon examination, I found that my adductor muscle was indeed ruptured." Shi Zhiyong limped off the arena.
The veteran described the game as a "failure", but gave positive comments on the preparation process."I have no regrets if I have tried my best. This competition was a failure for me, but the whole process of preparing for the Olympics was a success. I am still proud of myself."
After the game, it was already early morning of the second day Beijing time, and the comment section on Shi Zhiyong’s social media was filled with cheers from netizens.
"I have also seen everyone's heartwarming messages and I am really moved. Competitive sports are cruel, but your support and understanding give me strength. I have been practicing weightlifting for 21 years. Weightlifting brings me glory and happiness. Winning glory for my country will always be my motivation to move forward," he said.
Finally, Shi Zhiyong also expressed his gratitude and blessings in words. "I would like to thank the Chinese weightlifting team for their trust and support in me, and for providing me with the most complete guarantee. Although I failed to achieve three consecutive Olympic championships, my teammates will continue to fight for honors for the Chinese sports delegation. No matter what difficulties we face, the Chinese weightlifting team will always fight hard, challenge the limits, surpass ourselves, and never give up! I hope everyone will continue to support the Chinese weightlifting team!"
