Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Wang Jingjing) news: On November 25, 2024, weightlifting Olympic champion Li Wenwen delivered a humorous speech that received thunderous applause from the teachers and students at the gymnasium of Xinjiang Normal University (Kunlun Campus) in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on November 25, 2024 shows an event held at Xinjiang Normal University (Kunlun Campus) in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Wang Jingjiang)

"There have been injuries and setbacks, but I have never given up. This determination stems from my sweet dream of becoming an excellent weightlifter and winning glory for my homeland," Li Wenwen shared in response to a question from Tian Manxi, a junior from the School of Physical Education at Xinjiang Normal University. Tian, a basketball major, has faced challenges in her training and has often questioned the meaning of perseverance. "I find my answers in Li Wenwen's story. She possesses a strong belief in her potential to become an exceptional athlete and to fight for national honor. Her unwavering dream fuels her indomitable spirit," Tian said.

What we often see is the bright side of Olympic champions. Tiekeran Tailaiti, a freshman at Xinjiang Normal University, said, "Seeing the champions and hearing them recount their countless failures before achieving success gives me strength. After starting college, I often feel confused about my future and lack a sense of direction." He expressed a desire to set his own goal and work hard to achieve it.

Photo shows Ke Jiaxin, a student of the School of Fine Arts at Xinjiang Normal University, shares her hand-drawn cartoon for Olympic champion Pan Zhanle at Xinjiang Normal University (Kunlun Campus) in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Wang Jingjiang)

During the event, students from the School of Fine Arts at Xinjiang Normal University prepared 11 hand-painted cartoon portraits for the 11 Olympic champions participating in the activity. Many students chose to paint Pan Zhanle, but Ke Jiaxin, a first-year graduate student at the School, was ultimately selected. Her artwork uniquely combines elements of traditional Chinese culture with water ripples. The cartoon depiction features Pan Zhanle, characterized by a large head, wearing swimming goggles, and adorned with a string of gold medals around his neck. "When I presented it to him, he said, 'I like it very much,' and repeatedly thanked me," said Ke Jiaxin.

Photo shows Chen Zhen, a senior student of the Affiliated High School of Xinjiang Normal University, gets the signature of his idol Pan Zhanle at Xinjiang Normal University (Kunlun Campus) in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Wang Jingjiang)

During the day's activities, Chen Zhen, a senior at the Affiliated High School of Xinjiang Normal University, also had the opportunity to get Pan Zhanle's signature. "I'm so excited! I started swimming when I was eight years old, and my idol has always been Pan Zhanle," he said. "He signed my swimming cap and encouraged me to keep trying. I may not become a great athlete like him, but I can strive to be my own champion in the college entrance examination. They are the stars we should aspire to."

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