He resides in China and speaks Mandarin. He pursued higher education in Physical Education at Southwest University in Chongqing. Additionally, he has studied for a master's degree and a doctoral degree in the same field at the same university.

Professional Career

He represents Jiangsu Province in China and trains under national coach Guan Jianmin and club coach Wang Zhijie. His dedication to the sport has earned him the nickname "The Great Wall of China." He enjoys watching films and television during his leisure time.

Achievements and Milestones

In 2016, he became the first male taekwondo athlete from China to win an Olympic gold medal, triumphing in the -58kg category at the Rio de Janeiro Games. In 2017, he won gold in the 58-63kg category at the World Championships in Muju, Republic of Korea, marking another first for a male Chinese athlete.

Awards and Honours

He was named an Elite Athlete of International Class by the General Administration of Sport of China in 2016. He served as a flag bearer for China at the opening ceremonies of both the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, alongside volleyball player Zhu Ting.

Personal Life

His partner, Zheng Shuyin, is also a distinguished taekwondo athlete. She won gold in the +67kg category at the 2016 Olympic Games and competed at the 2020 Games. She also secured a silver medal in the +73kg category at the 2019 World Championships in Manchester.

Challenges

In 2013, he suffered a foot injury but overcame it to achieve significant success. His sporting philosophy is to overcome nerves by maintaining confidence and avoiding fear and tension.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, he aims to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. His commitment to both his sport and academic pursuits highlights his dedication and resilience.

His journey from being scouted to becoming an Olympic champion showcases his dedication and passion for taekwondo. With continued focus on his goals, he remains a prominent figure in the sport.