[Archive] Wang Nan: “I can’t let my guard down for a single moment, and I can’t take a break for a single moment. It is my duty to live in such an environment”

At the 2002 Asian Games, Wang Nan’s “invincibility myth” came to an end. For Wang Nan, “losing was necessary.”

Losing sparked her fighting spirit. Wang Nan had already etched a level of glory into table tennis history around the world.

The superstar, who has wealth and fame, simply hates losing and just wants to gain the satisfaction that comes with victory. What kind of flowers will the extraordinary all-rounder Wang Nan make bloom in Paris? <2023 Interview>

Wang Nan ● Wang Nan
Born October 23, 1978, from Liaoning Province, China. Winner of the 1998 ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals, women’s singles champion at the 1999 and 2001 World Championships, and singles and doubles champion at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. World No. 2 (at the time in 2003)

● A favorite stuffed toy she always takes with her on tours and training camps

I reflect on losing at this Asian Games, recognize it all over again, overcome the weaker parts of my heart, and motivate myself with the desire to challenge myself once more

　That was when Queen Wang Nan’s “invincibility myth” collapsed.
　At the 2002 Asian Games in October, Wang Nan dropped two points in the team final against North Korea (the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). Then, in singles, although it was a clash between teammates, she lost to Zhang Yining in the final. Wang Nan, who was not supposed to lose in a big match, was left with regret and humiliation.
　Take her match against Li Jiawei at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Wang Nan’s peerless ability to deliver under pressure was symbolized by that stunning comeback after trailing 16–20 and facing match points. Had that magic disappeared?
　On March 27, 2003, when I conducted the interview, the Beijing National Training Center was a training base known as the “tiger’s den” of Chinese table tennis, with the media always kept out. Controls were in place to preserve the players’ concentration at the highest level. I stepped into the women’s practice hall on the third floor, being told that “this is the first time overseas media have been allowed in during ordinary practice.” The women’s team had been playing league matches since morning. They said the final World Championship entries would be decided by the results of this league. Wang Nan and Zhang Yining were both taking part. No exceptions were allowed. It was the toughest in-house league in the world. The league continued until evening, and the interview was conducted with permission from head coach Cai Zhenhua and women’s coach Li Xiaodong. The location was to be the dormitory where all Chinese national team athletes live, and specifically Wang Nan’s room. Of course, this dormitory is normally off-limits to outsiders, including the media.
　We rode the elevator to the sixth floor, and her room was at the end of the hallway. The room was simple, about the size of a 4.5-mat room, with only a bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. When she trains in Beijing, this room becomes her home.
　The interview came after a tense league match. I was nervous too, but Wang Nan greeted us with her usual cheerful smile.
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●—How are you feeling lately?
Wang Nan　I didn’t compete at the 2003 Asian Championships in February, but after returning from the 2002 Asian Games, there were various events, and lately I’ve finally been feeling more settled.
●—What surprised us at that Asian Games was that, in one of the most important tournaments for China as well, you dropped two points against North Korea. And in singles, you also lost to Zhang Yining in the final. We were surprised that you, who had built up an invincibility myth of “Wang Nan never loses,” actually lost even when matches got tough.
Wang Nan　I couldn’t have imagined losing at the Asian Games myself. I went through a period where my form dropped and I was in a slump, but lately both my mind and body have been getting back to a much better state.