Li Jing Zhu 朱 丽静Introduction to My Athletic Journey
Meeting the Austrian decathlon champion recently brought back some memories for me. He excels in high jump, pole vault, and decathlon, while I was a high jump and heptathlon champion.
At the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, Dr. Richard Budgett once told me, “The Olympics is emotional.” Dr. Budgett is a former Olympic rowing champion and a Cambridge-educated doctor. Even Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, is a world champion fencer.
I began training in track and field at the age of 11. Due to my physical capabilities, I started with high jump, gradually transitioning into triathlon, pentathlon, and heptathlon. I achieved impressive results, often exceeding my own expectations, and even set a youth record in the high jump.
However, the journey was far from easy. My determination led to significant challenges, particularly with overtraining syndrome (OTS), which impacted both my physical and mental health.
During a three-month intensive training camp before a competition, our daily routine included three-hour morning and afternoon sessions. While other athletes rested in the evenings, my coach had me running cross-country until exhaustion. At the Vienna University and Austria Olympic Centre, we exceeded the typical eight-hour weekly training load in just one day, training nine hours daily, without breaks. After three months, all nine athletes in the camp underperformed at the competition, with eight retiring soon after. I was the sole athlete left, emotionally affected by even small setbacks.
Years later, a judo student of mine, who was a runner-up in the Chinese national championship, shared her own struggles. She said, “Teacher Zhu, if you had been there, I wouldn’t have retired.”
During those challenging times, we lacked knowledge about recovery. We continued high-intensity training, unaware of the importance of rest and listening to our bodies.
Eventually, I attended Beijing Sports University for professional training under Prof. Yu Deling, China’s top coach, who had been sent abroad for foreign aid work. Unlike others who had one coach, I had two: Prof. Yu Deling for heptathlon and Prof. Yu Bing Zhen for high jump, where I trained in both flop and prone jump techniques.
The Role of Mentorship and Coaching
The journey through sports is rarely a solitary endeavor; it is often shaped by the guidance and mentorship received from coaches and educators. Throughout my athletic career, I have been fortunate to benefit from the influence of several remarkable mentors, particularly Professor Yu Deling, whose commitment to my development has been pivotal. Professor Yu’s approach to coaching integrated not just physical training but a holistic perspective on athletic performance, fostering both mental resilience and technical skill. His ability to provide constructive feedback and encouragement played a key role in refining my capabilities as an athlete.
Moreover, having the unique opportunity to train under multiple coaches has enriched my experience significantly. Each coach brought their own emphasis and philosophy, allowing me to absorb a diverse set of techniques and training methodologies. This blend of coaching styles has contributed to my adaptability and depth as a competitor. It has also equipped me with an arsenal of strategies that I can draw upon in various competitive contexts, enhancing my overall performance while ensuring that I remain versatile in my approach.
However, my journey was not devoid of challenges. I encountered obstacles, specifically overtraining syndrome, which posed a significant threat not only to my physical well-being but also to my mental state. During this period, the vital role of my coaches became even more evident. Their unwavering support, coupled with their expertise, guided me through recovery. They helped ensure that I understood the importance of rest, recovery, and the value of listening to my body. The mentorship I received during this challenging phase not only aided my physical recovery but also fortified my mental resolve, teaching me resilience and the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity.
The Shift to Sports Psychology Education
During the holidays, another athlete and I were chosen by our coach to train daily. However, after experiencing overtraining syndrome (OTS), I lost confidence in my success and struggled to overcome the psychological challenges it brought. I felt my sports performance wouldn’t improve and lacked the motivation and communication skills to discuss OTS with my coach.
At that time, China had just participated in the Olympics and faced psychological difficulties. The Chinese Olympic Committee and the State Sports Administration of China were establishing the first sports psychology majors in the country. I took the entrance exams in secret, and the final one was an interview where I shared my personal sports experiences. I was fortunate to become one of the first generation of professional sports psychology students in China, with a total of ten people. We were assigned to the Department of Psychology at Peking University for systematic training. At that time, China was recovering from the Cultural Revolution, and psychology had just been reinstated in universities.
When my coach discovered I had become a sports psychology student, he was very upset and ignored me for a semester. Previously, he would invite us to his house for dinner every day after training, making us feel like family.
Eventually, he accepted my decision and adopted me as his goddaughter, but my sports career was interrupted due to my focus on sports psychology.
In memory of Professor Yu Deling of the Olympic Movement, who is no longer with us, I want to acknowledge his significant contribution to my development. As my godfather and coach, Professor Yu integrated physical training with mental resilience, approaching peak performance from a holistic perspective. His constructive feedback and encouragement were crucial in improving our abilities as athletes. I am deeply grateful for his guidance and support.
Reflections and Gratitude
The journey in sports is never a solitary one. Throughout my Olympic career, I’ve been profoundly influenced by numerous coaches and professors. Your guidance and mentorship have been pivotal in shaping my sports career.
I’ve been privileged to learn from several exceptional coaches and professors, including you! Each one has imparted unique knowledge, encouragement, and discipline, shaping not only my athletic and scientific abilities but also my character. Their unwavering support has created an environment that allowed me to thrive on and off the field. The lessons I absorbed under your guidance extended beyond mere technique; you instilled values such as teamwork, perseverance, resilience, and responsibility, which have become integral parts of my life.
Reflecting on these formative years, I am grateful for the influential figures who invested your time and energy in my growth. Each of you brought a unique perspective that enriched my understanding of the Olympic Movement. The bonds we built and the shared experiences fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. These connections were more than just professional; they were forged through moments of peak performance triumphs, overcoming adversity together, and celebrating success in our shared pursuit of excellence.
This ongoing dialogue underscores the lasting impact skilled coaches can have, transcending the competitive field. I am deeply appreciative of the wisdom you imparted and the connections we made, as they have left an enduring mark on my life and continue to influence my journey in the Olympics and beyond.
滴水之恩当涌泉相报 {Chinese Proverb} Literally: A drop of water shall be returned with a burst of spring.
