Chinese discus thrower Feng Bin to 'dance' again at 2024 Olympic Games

Feng Bin, 30, of China, has no other goal than competing for the women's discus throw gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Back in 2016, Feng finished within the top in her Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro. However, five years later, she failed to make the final at the Tokyo Olympics. The setback didn't hurt her confidence because her excellent performances in 2022 and 2023 gave her every reason to continue to believe in herself.

In July 20, 2022, Feng threw personal-best 69.12 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, beating Sandra Perkovic of Croatia and Valarie Allman of the U.S. to win the gold. Her victory ended Chinese athletes' 11-year title drought in the women's discus throw event at the World Championships.

"I felt such a relief at that moment because I proved I could do it," Feng told China Media Group (CMG). "Many didn't think I could win before the final, but I won it in the end. I proved myself."

One year later in August 2023, Feng threw 68.2 meters in her final attempt at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary to bring home a bronze medal. It was the second-best performance of her career and led to her qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Feng continued to maintain a superb form in 2024. She threw over 67 meters in six of the competitions she has participated in this season. She is currently third in the world behind Yaime Perez of Cuba and Allman.

Though discus throw looks like and is indeed a sport about power, but it also feels like a ballet to Feng. That's why she has been working hard on improving her flexibility and coordination, which can even match some short-distance hurdling athletes.

"I'm in a good form now," Feng said. "I just focus on training and improving my performance. As long as I can maintain regular practice, I won't perform badly in Paris. My goal of the year is definitely to win the gold at the 2024 Olympics."