Lily Zhang: Parents of four-time Olympian want her to quit sports for a real job

• American table tennis champion Liily Zhang is one of the most decorated table tennis players in recent history
• The 28-year-old is one of the favourite athletes poised to clinch a gold medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics
• A report detailing the parents of the four-time American Olympian wanting her to quit sports has recently surfaced

While Lily Zhang may be captivating audiences at the Paris 2024 Olympics, her relationship with her parents seems to paint a different picture.

Despite her impressive achievements in table tennis, the American champion appears to have parents who are far from pleased.

The 28-year-old tennis player has Chinese parents who are currently breathing down her neck, as they prefer she pursue a conventional job rather than continue her career in sports.

Lily Zhang waves to fans after winning a Women's Singles Round of 32 match on day three of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at South Paris Arena on July 29, 2024. Image: Elsa.
Source: Getty Images

According to a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, the parents of the four-time American Olympian are keen on her having a career away from the realm of table tennis, stressing the importance of this given her Chinese roots.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Zhang’s parents want her to quit sports

As detailed in the interview, the mother of the California-born athlete Linda Liu, stressed her ongoing efforts to persuade her daughter to quit table tennis.

“We always try to convince her to stop playing. We want her to have a normal job. As traditional Chinese parents, we believe she should focus on her education and pursue a conventional career,” Liu said. “I have always hoped she would get a regular job and lead a more typical life.”

Zhang appears to understand her parents’ sentiments, as in an interview reported by the Indian Times, she acknowledged the inherent uncertainties of her career, noting how quickly stability can be compromised.

“There are so many things that can happen that can instantly affect your stability.”

Despite these challenges, Zhang recently advanced to the round of 16 in the table tennis tournament at the Paris Games.

The six-time national champion is aiming to become the first American table tennis player to win an Olympic gold medal.

Zeng Zhiying makes history at Olympics

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Table tennis star Zeng Zhiying made history at the 2024 Olympics by debuting at 58 on Tuesday, 30 July 2024.

The Chinese-born Chilean made history when she lost 4-1 to Lebanon's Mariana Sahakian in the preliminary round, but the 'Olympic Grandmother' still inspired fans.

Source: TUKO.co.ke