Chinese hurdler Wu Yanni is aiming to advance to the finals in her maiden Olympics at the upcoming Paris Games, she told China Global Television Network (CGTN) in an interview.
Wu, who won a silver medal at both the Chengdu Universiade and the Hangzhou Asian Games, said she also hopes to break stereotypes of track and field athletes.
"I hope to break the stereotype that most people have about track and field athletes. People tend to think that we are short-haired, don't do any make-up and that we are just ordinary athletes. I think now, in the 21st century, athletes should be able to show their individuality. Show the world a different kind of beauty in the sport of track and field. So maybe I always look a bit overdressed on the track," she said.
The star hurdler mentioned her performance at the Chengdu Universiade in 2023, where she clocked a time of 12.76 seconds, qualifying her for the Paris Olympics.
"I really didn't expect to do that. I entered the race thinking that maybe I could qualify for the Olympics this time. But I really didn't expect to actually do it. So when I did it I was really, really excited. But afterwards, when I think about it more, I don't feel the same excitement. Because I, Wu Yanni, does have the ability to do it," she said.
Wu said she will take the opportunity to compete at the Paris Olympics as a learning curve,essential for personal growth.
"It's an experience for me to grow stronger, and to learn. It's also encouragement for me, as it is my first Olympics. My childhood dream when I first started training was to compete at the Olympics. So I will compete at these Games knowing that I'm here to learn. We all know that, China and maybe Asia is not very good at hurdles. So I hope that I have the ability to advance to the final," she said.
She emphasized that hurdling has helped enhance her mental performance and ability to withstand pressure.
"I feel I'm more mature mentally in a lot of aspects. I used to be very impatient facing pressure. But this sport has taught me a lot. Like I used to say, if you want someone to grow as a person, train in athletics. So this sport has made me who I am in a lot of ways. Like what my coach likes to say, track and field is a sport for grown-ups. After a while you will find some true life in this sport," she said.
Wu discussed her previous injury, saying she is focusing on getting into top shape ahead of the Paris Olympics.
"Defeats and injuries are what happens to athletes. There's no way to avoid it. What is really difficult, is to live through that and grow from that," she said.
"Everybody knows what I need to improve on, my start at the race. And my physical strength and a lot of details needs to be polished. Now I still have an injury and I have to make sure it doesn't get worse leading up to the Olympics," she added.
Chinese female hurdler aims for Paris Olympics finals, breaks stereotypes in track and field
