Cheng Fei's name is a legend in the world of Chinese gymnastics, closely associated with the challenging "Cheng Fei Jump," which has become a symbol of Chinese gymnastics. Surprisingly, this little giant who once displayed astonishing explosive power on the balance beam and vault has undergone a dramatic transformation after retirement, akin to a metamorphosis. When she reappeared in the public eye, it was hard to recognize her. What exactly has she experienced during this time, and how is she now?
Cheng Fei's Career
Despite her small stature, Cheng Fei possessed immense energy. As a core member of the Chinese women's gymnastics team, she achieved remarkable success in the vault event, winning three consecutive championships, etching her name into the annals of Chinese gymnastics. Not only was she a technical expert in the team, but she also inspired others with her tenacity and determination, encouraging her teammates not to give up and to fight together for the nation's honor.
However, competitive sports can be brutal, capable of creating heroes or crushing dreams. Just before the 2012 London Olympics, Cheng Fei was in a critical stage of preparation, eager to prove herself on the Olympic stage and win glory for her country. But then, during a routine training session, an accident occurred. A misstep caused Cheng Fei to fall heavily to the ground, leaving her immobile from the intense pain. The scene was tense as coaches and teammates anxiously watched over her. Soon, the team doctor arrived and confirmed that Cheng Fei had suffered a severe Achilles tendon injury, effectively shattering her Olympic dreams.
Those familiar with sports know that the Achilles tendon is vital for gymnasts. Once ruptured, even if recovery is possible, it is unlikely that the athlete will return to peak performance levels. This injury undoubtedly signaled the end of her career. Faced with this unexpected blow, Cheng Fei's heart was filled with unwillingness and despair. She could not accept the reality and was reluctant to give up the opportunity to compete for her country.
She had repeatedly expressed her desire to return to the arena after recovering from her injuries, longing to don the national uniform once more and win glory for China. However, with only a month left until the London Olympics, it was difficult for Cheng Fei's injuries to heal sufficiently, and even if they did, she might not meet the competition standards. The team doctor, considering Cheng Fei's future, strongly advised against forced training, warning that it could worsen her condition and potentially lead to permanent disability. Ultimately, under the persuasion of her coach, teammates, and family, Cheng Fei made the difficult decision to retire. This decision meant bidding farewell to the beloved arena and the dream of winning glory for the nation, yet it was a choice she had to make in the face of reality.
As time passed and the London Olympics commenced, Cheng Fei sat at home, watching her teammates on television and silently cheering them on. It is not difficult to imagine that at that moment, Cheng Fei's heart was filled not only with blessings for her teammates but also with helplessness and regret for her own situation. Cheng Fei's absence weakened the Chinese women's gymnastics team, particularly in the vault event, where their performance at the London Olympics was less than ideal. Watching her teammates struggle on the field, Cheng Fei felt as though her heart was being cut by a knife. Deep down, she longed to fight alongside her teammates and win glory for the nation, but this could never come to fruition. Cheng Fei's retirement was undoubtedly a significant loss for Chinese gymnastics and left a regret in her career.
Fortunately, Cheng Fei was not defeated by fate. After adjusting her mindset, she chose to contribute to the cause of Chinese gymnastics in another way.
Transformation of Identity
After retiring, Cheng Fei did not choose to leave the gymnastics field she loved. Instead, she decided to join Wuhan Sports University, transitioning from an athlete to a coach. However, this change in identity posed a new challenge for Cheng Fei. As an athlete, she was the focus of attention on the field, enjoying flowers and applause. As a coach, she needed to stand behind the scenes, guiding students and imparting her experience and skills to the next generation.
Cheng Fei was well aware that top athletes do not necessarily make outstanding coaches. Nevertheless, to help her students to the best of her ability and adapt to her new role as a coach, she humbly learned and improved her teaching skills. She integrated her years of rigorous training and understanding of gymnastics into her teaching, patiently and meticulously instructing each student. She knew that nurturing an excellent gymnast requires tremendous effort and patience.
Over time, Cheng Fei discovered a new interest at Wuhan Sports University. She realized that contributing to the nation's glory is not limited to competing on the field; cultivating gymnastics talent is also a contribution to the country. She began to focus on younger generations, searching for promising gymnastics talents in children's interest classes, hoping to cultivate more outstanding gymnasts to lay the foundation for the future development of Chinese gymnastics. Gradually, Cheng Fei fell in love with this new job. She meticulously planned training content every day, dedicating all her energy to her students. She not only taught them gymnastics techniques but also cultivated their willpower and team spirit. Cheng Fei hoped that the students she trained would not only excel in gymnastics but also become contributors to society in the future.
Changes After Retirement
Since retiring, Cheng Fei's life has changed significantly. With the cessation of high-intensity training, she no longer strictly controlled her diet as before. Moreover, due to medication required during her recovery from injuries, her weight uncontrollably increased. The once slender and delicate "gymnastics fairy" gradually became plump and full-bodied, which unexpectedly sparked discussions among some people, with some making unkind remarks.
However, Cheng Fei did not take these words to heart. Now retired, she preferred to be true to herself rather than satisfy the expectations of others. Cheng Fei believed that a person's worth cannot be determined solely by appearance; what matters most is inner strength and passion for life. She focused more on her coaching work, dedicated to fostering outstanding gymnasts, which she valued most. Through her actions, Cheng Fei conveyed that a person's true value lies not in their looks but in their inner resilience and love for life. Although she is no longer the shining champion on the field, she still lives her life to the fullest, contributing to the cause of Chinese gymnastics in another way.
Parents' Expectations
As Cheng Fei grew older, her parents began to worry about her personal life, hoping that their daughter would find a suitable partner, get married, have children, and enjoy a happy family life. Cheng Fei responded calmly to her parents' urging for marriage. She also expressed her desire for love but stated that she would not marry just for the sake of marriage. She hoped to find someone who understood her and could stand by her side in the battle of life.
In a subsequent interview, Cheng Fei revealed that she admired mature and stable men like Huang Lei, wishing for a partner who could understand and support her work, sharing common interests with her. Cheng Fei's attitude towards love highlights the independent, self-reliant, confident, and strong demeanor of contemporary women. Unbound by traditional marriage concepts, she insisted on her choices, pursuing true love. She believed that the key to a happy marriage is finding the right person.
In addition to her coaching work, Cheng Fei actively participated in various public welfare activities, using her influence to help those in need. Cheng Fei often used her spare time to engage in sports-related public welfare activities, inspiring more young people to embrace sports and live healthy lives. At the same time, she also helped those who needed assistance, doing her best to support them.
Cheng Fei's public welfare actions demonstrated her positive attitude towards life and sense of social responsibility. Through her actions, she embodied the principle that helping others also benefits oneself. She is not only an outstanding athlete and coach but also a very caring public welfare advocate.
Conclusion
Cheng Fei is no longer the "Gymnastics Empress" standing on the podium, receiving cheers from thousands. However, she continues to interpret the spirit of sports and spread positive energy in her own way. She shows us that life can still be colorful after leaving the arena. She always maintains optimism towards life, is particularly persistent in pursuing her dreams, and possesses a strong sense of social responsibility, which we all admire.
We also wish all athletes to find their own happiness after retirement and continue writing wonderful chapters in their lives.