On Aug 3, Shi Zhiyong, a weightlifter from Guilin, Guangxi, embarked on his third Olympic journey along with the initial contingent of athletes from the Chinese weightlifting team, which includes Li Fabin, Hou Zhihui, and Luo Shifang.

They left Beijing to kick off their campaign for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team is slated to compete on Aug 7 and 8. Shi, aiming for the gold, will compete at 1:30 am Beijing time on Aug 9 in his pursuit of Olympic glory.

Shi competes in the men's 73-kilogram weightlifting final at the 14th National Games. [Photo/IC]