Imagine throwing a 4kg metal ball farther than anyone else while your knee is literally tearing apart. That’s exactly what Chinese shot put legend Gong Lijiao did during the National Games, securing her fifth consecutive gold medal with what doctors call a "third-degree torn knee" that required three separate painkilling injections just to stand on the field.
The 32-year-old champion dropped the bombshell during her post-victory interview, her voice tinged with both pride and pain. "This year has been particularly challenging for me," she confessed. "My knee has already received three injections to relieve the pain. The ligament has third-degree tears, so I’ll probably take a break after this and finally get the knee surgery done."
What makes this revelation so heartbreaking is what she said next: "If not for the injury, I might have continued competing on this field." These words from a veteran athlete who has dominated women’s shot put for over a decade reveal the brutal reality behind those shiny medals – sometimes the greatest battles happen off the field, against one’s own body.
Gong’s situation highlights a common but rarely discussed phenomenon in competitive sports. Many athletes push through unimaginable pain, relying on medical interventions like corticosteroid injections (commonly called "closed injections" in China) to numb the agony temporarily. While these treatments allow them to compete, they often mask underlying damage that requires more extensive treatment later.
The video from CCTV Sports shows Gong’s determination etched on her face during the competition, with no visible indication of the suffering beneath the surface. This disconnect between external performance and internal struggle is something many high-achievers can relate to – whether in sports, business, or daily life, we often hide our struggles while pushing toward our goals.
Her decision to finally address the injury marks a turning point many athletes face: when to prioritize long-term health over immediate glory. At 32, after numerous international medals including Olympic gold, Gong’s choice to step back for surgery shows wisdom that transcends athletic achievement.
So the next time you watch athletes breaking records and winning championships, remember Gong Lijiao’s story. Behind every podium finish might be hidden battles, silent sacrifices, and the courage to compete even when every movement brings pain. What’s the greatest challenge you’ve pushed through to achieve something important? Share your stories in the comments below.
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