In nearly a century of Chinese sports history, many outstanding athletes have emerged. They not only reached the pinnacle in their respective fields but also became symbols and sources of pride for Chinese sports. Among them, six athletes stand out like brilliant stars; their achievements and legends have become peaks that are difficult for future generations to surpass.
Gao Min
In the challenging and captivating sport of diving, Gao Min was undoubtedly the queen of her era. Although her athletic career spanned only seven short years, during this time, she created an unparalleled miracle—she remained undefeated in international competitions, maintaining a perfect record. She was the pioneer of China's "Dream Team" in diving, setting a benchmark for Chinese diving on the world stage with her remarkable performances. Throughout her career, Gao Min won a total of 70 gold medals, a number that leaves many in awe. Regrettably, at the peak of her career at age 22, Gao Min retired due to injuries, leaving a sense of loss among countless spectators. Otherwise, her resume would undoubtedly have been even more glorious.
Li Ning
When it comes to Li Ning, people might first think of the globally renowned sports brand. However, in the field of gymnastics, Li Ning's accomplishments are even more remarkable. Over his career, he won a total of 17 world championships and over 100 gold medals, a splendid record that has left a significant mark in the history of gymnastics. At the 1984 Olympics, Li Ning single-handedly won three golds, two silvers, and one bronze medal, accounting for one-fifth of China's total medal count at the time. This feat is still widely discussed today.
Liu Xiang
Liu Xiang is the pride of Chinese track and field, having made history in Chinese athletics. In 2004, he stunned the world at the Athens Olympics by winning China's first true world championship in sprinting, breaking the Asian curse in short-distance running events. Following this, he continued to achieve remarkable results in world competitions, accumulating a total of 36 world championships, 6 runner-up finishes, and 3 third-place finishes throughout his career. In the 110-meter hurdles event, Liu Xiang was undoubtedly the king of his time.
Lang Ping
Lang Ping is a legendary figure in Chinese volleyball, with achievements spanning the entire history of the Chinese women's volleyball team. As a player, she was the core strength of the team, helping it achieve the glory of five consecutive championships. Her excellent performance and tenacious fighting spirit became the symbol of Chinese women's volleyball. After retiring, Lang Ping transitioned into coaching, where her career shone even brighter. Under her guidance, the Chinese women's volleyball team won consecutive world championships in 2015 and 2016, and again won the World Cup in 2019, reigniting the spirit of women's volleyball across China. It is no exaggeration to say that Lang Ping is a monumental figure in Chinese women's volleyball.
Yao Ming
Although Yao Ming did not lead the Chinese team to win a world championship, there is no denying that he remains the greatest player in the history of Chinese basketball. Yao Ming's emergence firmly established China's dominance in Asian basketball and changed the stereotype that Asians cannot play in the NBA. Moreover, Yao Ming is the only Asian player to be inducted into both the NBA Hall of Fame and the FIBA Hall of Fame, a testament to his remarkable achievements.
Lin Dan
Lin Dan is the king of the badminton world, with achievements that none can match. Many consider him the Michael Jordan of badminton. He is the only player in badminton history to win the Grand Slam twice, with a total of 20 world championships under his belt, including two consecutive Olympic titles and five World Championship men's singles titles. Lin Dan's exceptional skills, strong mental fortitude, and indomitable fighting spirit have created miracle after miracle on the badminton court.