Li Shijia Makes Comeback at National Games

Chinese National Games, a quadrennial meet that is considered the most important domestic competition in China, is winding up this week with gymnasts all over China representing their respective provinces.

Among the most anticipated comebacks we’ll see at National Games this year is Li Shijia, who is coming back from a knee injury that took her out of Olympic contention. Although she’s only slated to compete bars and beam, these Games present the opportunity for Li to make a case for the World Championships team later this month.

“When I first started training again my knee was hurting a lot, then I started to slowly recover all my elements. Doing some strength training helped the muscles in my knee become stronger,” said Li.

Guan Chenchen, the reigning Olympic beam champion, will compete all around to help Zhejiang vie for a podium finish.

Guan said, “overall my four events feel good. The podium feels better than in the back gym.”

Olympic finalist and two-time World uneven bar champion Fan Yilin is the heavy favorite to win bars and lead Shanghai to a podium finish: “The first time I was here I was the youngest team member with my older teammates. This time I wish to give the younger girls encouragement and do the best that I can do,” said Fan.

Chinese National Games continues this week. Click here for the full schedule.