Life is wonderful because of dreams


2/7/2023 Exclusive Interview By Yufei

In the vast and boundless universe, there exists a belief that propels one forward, an unwavering love and passion... It is the story of a young girl who holds steadfast to her dream of playing table tennis, embarking on a journey towards brilliance!


On December 7th, I had the privilege of inviting Lin Xinlei, a 17-year-old student from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School's girls' table tennis team in New York State. With the vigor of youth and a determination not to waste her prime years, she shines brightly within her passion. Those so-called failures are merely stepping stones to her growth, and the sweat and injuries endured have become bridges connecting her dreams with reality.


Wang Chuqin, a member of the Chinese men's table tennis team known for his skillful combination of backhand topspin and quick attacks, has always been an idol admired by Lin Xinlei. We are also familiar with renowned players like Ma Long, Chen Meng, and Sun Yingsha. In her first competition, despite feeling overly nervous about the opponent's strength, Lin Xinlei did not give up. Instead, she continuously honed herself through training and competition, learning from her experiences and acquiring new skills. When faced with failure, she gritted her teeth and stood up again.

With her daily training regimen and unwavering belief, Lin Xinlei remains resilient. There was a time when she couldn't participate in a match due to physical discomfort, but she did not slack off. Instead, she would watch videos to learn more techniques and strategies in table tennis. She said, "We must constantly challenge higher levels, compare ourselves with stronger opponents, and practice against them." Despite being on the team for only two years, she has maintained stable academic performance. Her passion fills her life with vitality and energy, making it extraordinary. Why shouldn't we spend more time paving the way for our dreams? While dreams may seem distant, the ever-renewing passion along the journey keeps us going.

On February 6, 2023, Lin Xinlei competed against the champion of New York City at Stuyvesant High School. Full of confidence and fearlessness in the face of challenges, she fought with an indomitable spirit. Unfortunately, she couldn't defeat her opponent, but she had the courage and determination to face the outcome. I firmly believe that she will succeed in reaching the other shore in the future. This experience allowed her to encounter stronger opponents and learn valuable lessons from failure.

In Margaret Mitchell's novel "Gone with the Wind," she wrote, "All that fades away with the wind belongs to yesterday, while all that withstands storms remains oriented towards the future." A piece of steel must go through countless hammering and refining to take shape, and a person's willpower needs to be tempered in adversity to be forged.

Youthful passion never fades, and a heart filled with love is undeterred by storms. I hope that she can continuously surpass herself on the table tennis court and run bravely and resolutely on the journey ahead.

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