Qiu Yike: From "Rebel" to "National Table Tennis Brand Ambassador," How Did He Make It This Far?
When it comes to Qiu Yike, one cannot overlook his "rebel" label from his playing days. You may recall the player who was repeatedly suspended during his career due to his rebellious personality and conflicts with the team. At that time, although his talent shone brightly, more often than not, people first thought of him as "unmanageable," and many believed that the ceiling of his career was himself.
However, it was perhaps this experience that allowed him to develop a unique understanding when he later became a coach. Because he knew what mindset young players faced under pressure, he understood how to balance high training standards with their psychological fluctuations. This is something that many "smooth sailing" type players might not truly appreciate. Qiu Yike's rebelliousness turned into an advantage on the coaching front. Who would have thought that the person once deemed "unmanageable" would now become a meticulous and patient "old father" to his disciples.
This point should resonate most deeply with Sun Yingsha. The collaboration between Qiu Yike and Sun Yingsha did not start as smoothly as one might imagine. Sun Yingsha's competitive state fluctuated greatly at the time, frequently reaching finals but always falling short of the championship. During this period, Qiu Yike's coaching abilities were also questioned by outsiders.
In particular, during a certain competition, Qiu Yike chose to take Kuai Man out to participate, which was seen as "free-range parenting" for Sun Yingsha, leading to her poor performance. Fans and the public criticized him, and some even demanded that he be removed from his position as Sun Yingsha's head coach. Qiu Yike found himself at the center of controversy. Faced with these voices, he did not choose to explain or retreat; instead, he silently adjusted his training plan and gradually formed a rapport with Sun Yingsha. It turned out that his persistence was justified.
At the 2022 WTT World Cup Finals, Sun Yingsha finally defeated Chen Meng, ending her "championship-less" streak. This match was not only a breakthrough for Sun Yingsha but also a turning point in the mentor-student relationship between the two. After that, the doubts about them diminished, replaced by recognition and praise. This recognition reached its peak during the Paris Olympic cycle.
Sun Yingsha achieved remarkable results during the Paris Olympic cycle, winning 2 golds and 1 silver, including mixed doubles and team gold medals. Although she lost to Chen Meng in the women's singles final, this did not detract from the overall affirmation of her performance. Behind all this was Qiu Yike's silent dedication.
Before the competition, he made multiple adjustments to Sun Yingsha's techniques and tactics, and after the competition, he carefully guided her through her psychological pressures. In the high-intensity preparations for the Olympics, the role of coaches is often overlooked by the outside world, but every decision they make and every word they say can directly affect the outcome of a match.
Sun Yingsha's achievements are not just her personal victories but also the fruits of the joint efforts of master and apprentice. This "mutual growth" has led people to reevaluate the value of Qiu Yike. Many see his professional achievements but overlook the silent support of his family behind the scenes. His wife, Wen Wei, chose to become a full-time mother, taking on the heavy responsibilities of the family, providing the greatest backing for him to fully devote himself to his coaching career.
Later, Qiu Yike became the brand ambassador for the national table tennis team, which is not only a recognition of his personal professional achievements but also, to some extent, improved his family life. The realization of his commercial value gave a return to the family's sacrifices and showed more people the potential for professional development of coaches. In 2023, Qiu Yike was appointed as the brand ambassador for the national table tennis team, becoming another coach with personal endorsements after Wang Hao and Ma Lin. This position is not only a recognition of his past work but also an acknowledgment of the commercial value of coaches.
It should be noted that for a long time, commercial resources in the sports industry have been more focused on athletes, while coaches are often "behind-the-scenes heroes." Qiu Yike's success may provide confidence for more young coaches and also promote progress in the commercial development of China's sports field.
Qiu Yike's journey is a real-life "comeback story." From being controversial and questioned to becoming a core force in the national table tennis team, his transformation is not only personal growth but also a reflection of the national table tennis culture. Rigor and tolerance, two seemingly contradictory traits, are balanced in him.
The story of mentor and apprentice working together shows us the power of perseverance and trust, and Qiu Yike's success makes us believe that even if one is "behind the scenes," as long as they are excellent enough, they will eventually be seen.
What will the future hold? Perhaps we cannot predict, but it is certain that Qiu Yike's experiences have left plenty of inspiration and reflection for the Chinese table tennis world and the entire sports circle.