In table tennis, a fundamental rule is that the player who serves must place the ball behind the end line and above the level of the playing surface. This seemingly simple rule symbolizes the importance of precision and balance—elements that are crucial in the sport's fast-paced matches. For Sun Yingsha, the two-time Olympic medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, this rule represents her approach to both her sport and her role in advancing gender equality in table tennis.
Rising to Prominence
Yingsha’s rise to stardom has been marked by precision and consistency. In January 2022, she made history by becoming the first paddler born after 2000 to reach the top of the world rankings. This achievement was not just a personal triumph, but a clear demonstration of how training and drive can redefine the sport's landscape. Her success continued with notable victories at the Women’s Singles Championship in 2023 and the Women’s Singles World Cup in 2024, bringing her close to completing the coveted "Grand Slam" in women’s singles.
When in France
The 2024 Paris Olympics were a pivotal moment for Yingsha. As China’s top-ranked player, she competed in women’s singles, women’s team, and mixed doubles events. In a recent article on the official Olympics website, which highlighted 12 of the “biggest athletes to watch at Paris 2024,” Yingsha was the sole Chinese athlete featured. “The People’s Republic of China has never lost the women’s singles event in table tennis at the Olympic Games. World No.1 Sun will look to keep the streak alive in Paris,” the article said.
In a repeat of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic table tennis women's singles final, Yingsha lost 4-2 against her older teammate, Chen Meng, finishing with a silver medal around her neck. Her performance showcased her resilience and incredible sportsmanship, playing against a teammate she practiced with all year long on the most competitive stage. Proving her dominance, Yingsha also won a gold medal in the mixed doubles event.
“They may say that I motivate them and things like that, and I'm very happy that within my peers and those younger than me, I'm inspiring them, and at the same time encouraging myself more and more.”
Advancing Gender Equality by Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Yingsha plays a significant role in the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in the sport. The ITTF has been working to enhance the VISibility and opportunities for women athletes, ensuring they receive equitable recognition and support. Drawing from official ITTF statistics, the World Table Tennis (WTT) championship played a "significant role in promoting gender equality" with 1,429 women and girls competing across its events and receiving equal prize money.
Yingsha’s success is a powerful testament to these efforts, as her achievements bring increased attention to women’s table tennis and challenge traditional gender norms. One of the ITTF’s key initiatives has been to ensure equal prize money and media coverage for women players. By excelling on the global stage, Yingsha contributes to these goals, helping to elevate the profile of women’s table tennis. Her prominence in major tournaments inspires young girls worldwide to pursue the sport and aim for excellence.
"I come across students my age being asked who their idol is or who inspires them and they say 'Sun Yingsha,’” she said in an exclusive interview with the Olympic Committee. “They may say that I motivate them and things like that, and I'm very happy that within my peers and those younger than me, I'm inspiring them, and at the same time encouraging myself more and more," she reveals further.
Yingsha's Legacy
Yingsha’s role as an idol is also deeply connected to her admiration for Zhang Yining, a legendary table tennis player known for her dominance and mental fortitude. Yining’s legacy as the “Big Devil” has inspired Yingsha, who aspires to match her idol’s success and impact. This connection between past and present highlights the evolution of women athletes in table tennis and underscores the importance of having role models. Even when she’s ranked #1, Yingsha looks up to someone, making her relatable to young girls everywhere.
Yingsha also talks about being a role model herself and dealing with expectations. "A positive mindset is crucial. I believe that being optimistic and cheerful is not only important for table tennis players but also for athletes in sports such as golf and tennis," she said in the Olympics Committee interview. Having positive role models herself, Yingsha shows us the power of mentorship for all women, no matter their age, in sports.
Yingsha’s story exemplifies how sports can drive social change and increase the VISibility and opportunities for girls and women in sport. Her precision on the table and her commitment to breaking barriers reflect the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality in table tennis. As the ITTF continues its mission to create a more inclusive environment, Yingsha’s legacy will serve as an inspiration for future generations of women athletes in table tennis and beyond.
