.The performance in the stands at Roland Garrosu00e2 $ s Courtroom Philippe-Chatrier was populated with vermillion ensigns, adding a radiance to the presently orangey sky originating off the reddish clay court.These were actually Mandarin flagsu00e2 $" thousands of themu00e2 $" swing in loud support for Qinwen Zheng, 21, who would very soon take gold through beating Croatiau00e2 $ s Donna Vekic 6-2, 6-3 in the womenu00e2 $ s single people ping pong final.As she lay down on the gunk, eyes skyward as well as fists extended right into the Paris haze, the winu00e2 $ s gravity appeared to sign up: Zheng had only created the type of past history that prolonged much past the coliseum and the minute. This was Chinau00e2 $ s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the sportu00e2 $" as well as Zheng had actually created no secret of the simple fact that the Olympics were as, otherwise more, essential to her than a Grand Slam.Zheng commemorates her Olympic victory on August 3.Image: Getty Imagesu00e2 $ In China, our team constantly believe a countryu00e2 $ s honor remains in front end of private excellence, u00e2 $ she claimed over a morning appointment at Nikeu00e2 $ s Athlete Residence, put discreetly in between the Stade de France and the Aquatics Facility in Parisu00e2 $ s St. Denis location, the day after her accomplishment. u00e2 $ I dealt with [the Games] differentlyu00e2 $" the emotional state, the battle, the way of thinking: It really felt various than every other tournament Iu00e2 $ ve played.u00e2 $ Birthed in 2002 in Shiyan, China, Zheng began playing ping pong at grow older 7. At grow older eight, she relocated, without her mama and dad, to Wuhan for much better coaching, as well as since adolescence she has actually profoundly appreciated as well as emulated Mandarin sportsmens, including the ping pong superstar Li Na and the runner Liu Xiang, who won gold at the 2004 Athens Games.u00e2 $ It was actually challenging, u00e2 $ Zheng pointed out, looking back at those very early times. u00e2 $ My mama used ahead see on weekend breaks. When she left, I would certainly secure her lower leg and also cry. When she was gone, I would certainly regularly keep her coat. This was up until I was 13. After 13, my mommy determined to quit her work as well as come visit me permanent, just to possess better growth and much better treatment. Afterwards, it acquired simpler. As well as our company relocated to Europe when I was actually 17. u00e2 $.