Cover Story | Gao Fangjie: Starting Afresh, Confronting Dreams
In her eighth year since debut, Gao Fangjie returns to the international badminton scene after overcoming a career-threatening Achilles tendon surgery that sidelined her for nearly four years. Upon her return, she achieved remarkable success, winning 23 out of 24 matches across three tournaments: the Indonesia International Challenge, the Malang Masters, and the Malaysia International Series.
Reflecting on her journey from a world ranking beyond 1000 to her current position at 123, Gao remains confident, stating, “The revolution is not yet successful; Little Gao still needs to work hard!”
Gao Fangjie’s return path is marked by a story of growth. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and accepting personal changes, fueled by her inner strength to challenge athletic stereotypes.
Her triumphant comeback in late 2022, with consecutive championship victories, underscores her resilience and determination. Despite setbacks and uncertainties due to the pandemic, Gao Fangjie’s journey symbolizes overcoming adversity and pursuing dreams relentlessly.