World Exclusive: 11-year-old Skateboarder Chasing Olympic History in Paris
A groundbreaking story is unfolding in the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics as 11-year-old Chinese skateboarding sensation Haohao Zheng prepares to take the world’s most prestigious sporting stage by storm.
Haohao, who will celebrate her 12th birthday on the last day of the competition, is vying to become the youngest individual sport medallist in history, eclipsing the 12 years and 29 days mark achieved by Danish swimmer Inga Sorensen at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
If Haohao is able to secure a medal in the Park event, she would join the esteemed ranks of gymnasts Dimitrios Loundras, who claimed bronze at the 1896 Athens Olympics at the tender age of 10 years and 218 days, and Italy’s Luigina Giavotti, who won silver at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics at 11 years and 26 days.
Meanwhile, an unlikely hero has qualified for the Paris Olympics. Meet 50-year-old British skateboarder Andy McDonald, who defied his advanced age to earn a spot at the world’s most coveted sporting tournament.
Born in southern China and commencing her skateboarding career at age seven, Haohao quickly rose through the ranks and landed 13th in the 2009 Chinese National Championships at age nine.
In an interview with the International Olympic Committee, Haohao proudly spoke about her resilience in overcoming personal challenges. "I broke a finger during training, but I had worked hard to achieve my Olympic dream and I didn’t want to give up," she revealed.
Despite a small physical stature, Haohao remains undeterred and stated that she simply wants to "show my best in Paris" and set an example for others, even expressing a desire to "fulfill the dreams of many adults."
