China's Sharpshooter: Teenager Sheng Lihao Snags Second Olympic Gold in Paris
China's Shooting Star: Sheng Lihao Wins Gold at Paris Olympics

29 July 2024
In a thrilling finale, Chinese shooter Sheng Lihao clinched the gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle event at the Paris Olympics, marking his second Olympic title. The 19-year-old sensation, affectionately known as "Dry Noodle" (Gan Laofan), has been making waves in the shooting world with his remarkable skills and humility.
Sheng's victory was met with an outpouring of congratulations on social media, with fans and fellow athletes alike praising his talent and dedication. Netizens flocked to Weibo, China's popular microblogging platform, to celebrate the young shooter's achievement. One user, @Taobao520, exclaimed, "Congratulations to Sheng Lihao on winning the gold medal! His hard work and perseverance have truly paid off!"

However, some users took to social media to poke fun at Sheng's humble background. One Weibo user, @YouMamaDeSunDong, jokingly remarked, "Sheng Lihao's hometown, Donglai, is so remote that even the Olympic website had to specify the exact community he's from – Yangshe Town, East Donglai Community, Donglai!" This lighthearted jab highlights the endearing nature of Sheng's rise to fame, which has captivated the hearts of many Chinese fans.

Sheng's coach, Yao Ye, also shared his thoughts on the young shooter's success. In an interview, Yao emphasized that Sheng's talent is not solely based on natural ability, but rather the result of rigorous practice and dedication. "Sheng Lihao has a certain degree of talent, but he's not a genius," Yao said. "He has worked hard to develop his skills, and his progress is a testament to the importance of effort and perseverance."

This sentiment is echoed in Sheng's own words, where he expressed his gratitude for the support of his coaches and teammates. "I'm just relieved that I could live up to everyone's expectations," Sheng said in a post-match interview. When asked how he planned to celebrate his victory, Sheng humbly replied, "I don't know, maybe just take a nap?" This down-to-earth response has endeared him to fans, who see him as a relatable and genuine champion.
Sheng's gold medal win marks China's third shooting gold medal at the Paris Olympics. As the country's shooting team continues to shine on the international stage, Sheng Lihao's rise to stardom serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. His dedication, humility, and passion for the sport have captured the hearts of many, cementing his place as one of China's most beloved and respected athletes.