Chinese Youngsters Lead the Charge in Embracing and Excelling in New Sports

He Miyao, a 9-year-old third grader from Shanghai, discovered her love for BMX biking in 2023 and has since transformed her daily routine. Every day during her winter break, she and her father embark on a long car journey to Suzhou, where she practices for five hours, mastering the bike's maneuvers on the tracks. After training, they return home late in the evening, allowing her just enough time to finish her homework and rest.

This rigorous schedule has been a part of her weekends for over a year, showcasing her remarkable discipline and perseverance that her father He Wei acknowledges. He believes that her dedication sets her apart, as not many kids would be willing to commit to such a challenging routine.

For He Miyao, BMX riding is much more than a sport; she revels in the thrill of navigating the twists and turns of the pump track. With the excitement of speed and the exhilaration of jumps, she has found a sense of freedom that she truly enjoys.

Her talent hasn't gone unnoticed, as she has participated in various youth BMX competitions across several cities. Notably, at the national youth U-series racing championship in Taizhou, she secured fourth place in her category. The moment she witnessed Deng Yawen achieving gold at the Olympics, a desire sparked within her to represent her country on the international stage.

This ambition was further fueled when she met Deng personally at an event. He Wei expressed that the interaction has instilled a strong sense of national pride in He Miyao, motivating the family to support her ambitions, including opportunities to compete internationally.