SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)

— Zeng Zhiying, a table tennis player who left China in 1989 amid the Tiananmen Square protests, has become a celebrated figure in Chile after winning a bronze medal at the Pan American Games last year. Although she retired from competitive play to focus on her business and family, Zeng's passion for the sport has led her to qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, making her the oldest athlete in Chile's delegation. Zeng, who began her journey in table tennis as a child accompanying her mother to training sessions, has experienced a remarkable transformation from a recreational player to a high-performance athlete. Currently ranked 151st in the world, she has rejoined the national team and made a successful return to competition by defeating Dominican player Eva Peña Brito in her Pan American Games debut. Reflecting on her Olympic aspirations, Zeng expressed her disbelief at qualifying for the Games, stating, “Qualifying for an Olympics is a big, gigantic dream.” Her determination and experience will be on display as she competes in Paris, where she hopes to inspire others with her story. As Zeng prepares for the Olympics, she enjoys widespread support from her adopted country, where she is affectionately referred to as the “Olympic grandmother.” Her family in China, including her 92-year-old father, will also be cheering her on, proud of her achievements and the fulfillment of her lifelong dream.