World champion boxer secures a spot for 2024 Games
Wu Yu, the reigning world champion in the women’s 50kg category, has secured a berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics by reaching the semifinals of the boxing competition at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Friday. Wu defeated Sabina Bobokulova of Uzbekistan 5-0, not only guaranteeing herself an Asian Games medal, but also a spot at Paris 2024.
Wu is the first Chinese boxer to qualify for the next Olympics, as the Asian Games serve as one of the continental qualifiers for the 2024 Games. Wu said she was happy to achieve her goal of booking a ticket to Paris, but she also wanted to win the gold medal at Hangzhou.
“I’m very excited to qualify for the Olympics, but I’m not satisfied yet. I want to win the gold medal here and make history for China,” Wu said after her quarterfinal victory.
Wu’s journey from a shy girl to a world champion
Wu, who hails from Henan province, started boxing at the age of 12. She was a shy and timid girl who was often bullied by her classmates. Her father, who was a boxing fan, encouraged her to take up the sport to boost her confidence and self-defense skills.
Wu soon fell in love with boxing and showed great talent and potential. She joined the provincial team in 2015 and the national team in 2017. She won her first international medal at the 2018 Asian Championships, where she claimed a bronze.
In 2019, Wu made history by becoming the first Chinese boxer to win a world title in the women’s 50kg category. She defeated Ekaterina Paltseva of Russia in the final of the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Ulan-Ude, Russia. Wu said winning the world title was a dream come true for her and a reward for her hard work and dedication.
“I never thought I could become a world champion. It was a dream that I had since I started boxing. I worked very hard for it and I’m very proud of myself,” Wu said.
Wu’s challenges and aspirations for Paris Olympics
Wu said qualifying for the Olympics was not easy, as she had to face many challenges and difficulties along the way. She said she had to overcome injuries, pressure, and fierce competition from her rivals.
“The road to the Olympics was very tough. I had to deal with injuries, stress, and strong opponents. I had to train hard and stay focused. I had to fight for every round and every point,” Wu said.
Wu said she was looking forward to competing at the Paris Olympics, where she hoped to win another gold medal for China. She said she would prepare well for the Games and try to improve her skills and tactics.
“I’m very excited to go to Paris and represent China at the Olympics. It’s a great honor and responsibility for me. I want to win another gold medal for my country and make my family and fans proud,” Wu said.
Wu will face Noura Almutairi of Kuwait in the semifinals of the Asian Games on Saturday. She said she would not underestimate any opponent and would give her best in every bout.
“I respect all my opponents and I don’t take anyone lightly. I will fight with all my heart and soul in every match. I will try to show my best performance and win every fight,” Wu said.
