On August 4, Liang Weikeng, a badminton player from Guangzhou, and his partner Wang Chang won the silver medal in the badminton men's doubles at the Paris Olympics. This is the first time for Liang Weikeng to participate in the Olympics Games.
Born in November 2000, Liang grew up in the Baiyun district of Guangzhou. Known as the "capital of badminton," Guangzhou has hosted all important matches of the Badminton World Federation and is home to three million badminton fans and players.
Xu Weiwen, his first coach, recalled that they usually selected talented students from school, but Liang was brought to them by his father Liang Jiarui, who is a badminton enthusiast.
Liang started playing badminton with his father when he was five. "At first, I played with my son because my buddies were late. I gradually found that he really liked this sport. He was so involved every time he played," said Liang Jiarui.
From Liang Jiarui's perspective, playing badminton can not only build up one's body but also help form one's character. When Liang Weikeng was eight, his father Liang Jiarui already couldn't beat him.
Xu also remembered that when he first met Liang Weikeng, he was very fond of him because he seemed smart with a pair of very keen eyes. Liang was a natural-born badminton player. "Most people can't have that kind of power and speed because it can't be acquired from training."
Liang Weikeng was very hard-working and audacious enough to challenge the coach sometimes. He was very strict with himself and very disciplined. During the pandemic, he lost five kilograms by going to the gym to practice every night. His passion for badminton was obvious to all.
At home, he was also a good brother and a good son. His younger brother also likes playing badminton but likes him even more. His mom and other relatives speak very highly of him as a filial son and a caring adult.
His mom was overjoyed when she heard the news that he had won the silver medal, and she even broke down in tears of happiness. While it may not have been the gold, his achievement has still made everyone back home immensely proud.
Author | Fanny
Editor | Monica, James
Photo | Nanfang Plus
