Zeng Poised to Make History as One of the Oldest Olympians at Paris 2024

At 58 years old, Zeng is set to become one of the oldest athletes to compete in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a remarkable journey that began in China during the 1970s. After years of dedication and perseverance, she recently qualified for Chile’s table tennis team, a testament to her enduring passion for the sport. Zeng's early training under her mother ended when she was nine, as she resisted parental coaching, but her talent was undeniable, leading to her selection for the Chinese national team at 16. Despite her promising start, Zeng faced challenges that led to a hiatus from competitive play. After leaving the national team, she stepped away from the sport until 2003, when she sought to engage her son in table tennis to divert him from excessive screen time. This rekindled her love for the game, prompting her to test her skills against others and reignite her competitive spirit. “I got the bug,” she recalls, emphasizing the thrill of returning to the sport she once loved. Zeng's journey is not just personal; it is a family affair. Her father, now 92, remains a steadfast supporter, staying up late in China to watch her matches, while her husband and friends celebrate her achievements in Lima. Reflecting on her past, Zeng acknowledges the sacrifices made by her family, particularly her father, who played a crucial role in her early training. As she prepares for the Olympics, Zeng embodies resilience and the enduring spirit of athletes across generations.