A chance encounter with wushu at her community centre led Ng Zhe Nin to Youth Olympic gold

Years before making history at the Youth Olympic Games, Ng Zhe Nin, a Singapore teen, stumbled upon wushu during casual observations at her community centre. Enrolled in ballet and Chinese orchestra lessons, she was naturally drawn to the mesmerizing movements and techniques showcased by fellow students. Intrigued by the sport, she eventually persuaded her coaches to let her give wushu a try at the age of 10.

That fateful decision would later culminate in a historic moment for the country. The 16-year-old clinched the women’s taijiquan combined title on November 3, 2026, becoming one of the first Youth Olympic gold medallists in wushu as the sport debuted as a medal event. Prior to her Youth Olympic triumph, Ng had already claimed gold and silver at the World Junior Wushu Championships in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

However, her path to success has been far from easy. Behind the elegant displays of skill lies countless hours of rigorous training and sacrifice. Ng has dedicated two years to perfecting a single routine, meticulously refining every movement. Despite her achievements, she acknowledges the toll it has taken on her personal life, including time spent with friends and family, and the academic pressure she faces.

Nonetheless, Ng remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence, aiming to continue refining her skills and compete on the international stage, including the upcoming Asian Games.