Grandma's Olympic Debut at 58

Zeng Zhiying, at 58 years old, made her Olympic debut last weekend, nearly four decades after she was overlooked for the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Now representing Chile, Zeng expressed a positive outlook despite her first-round loss to 46-year-old Mariana Sahakian of Lebanon, stating, “I don’t feel very sad, because this is sport.” Her lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian was realized, even if it came later than expected. Zeng's journey began in China, where she quickly ascended in the sport, turning professional at just 12 years old and joining the national team four years later. However, her path took a detour when she stepped away from table tennis to focus on her import goods business, coinciding with the sport's Olympic debut in 1988. This break lasted decades, but Zeng eventually returned to the sport, showcasing her resilience and passion. In Paris, Zeng reunited with former teammate Ni Xialian, who is now representing Luxembourg. This reunion highlights the enduring bonds formed through sport, transcending national boundaries. Zeng, who is affectionately known as Tania in Chile, has embraced her new life, stating, “I’ve never had problems, and everyone acknowledges my achievements.” As the oldest debutant in Olympic table tennis history, Zeng remains committed to the sport, declaring, “As long as my body is not injured, I’ll still play.” Her story is a testament to perseverance and the enduring spirit of athletes, regardless of age.