Four-time Olympic gold medallist Dr Deng Yaping visited the University of Edinburgh on 27 April to take part in events marking the 20th anniversary of the Confucius Institute for Scotland (CIS). CIS is a partnership between the University of Edinburgh and Fudan University, supporting cultural and educational exchange through Chinese language, culture and public engagement.
During her visit, Dr Deng met Professor Kim Graham, provost of the University of Edinburgh. In a message shared afterwards, Professor Graham described their conversation as “truly inspirational” and thanked Dr Deng for the “fantastic visit” and “wonderful lecture” at the University.
From Rejection to Greatness
A sold-out anniversary event followed in the University’s South Hall, where Dr Deng delivered a public lecture tracing her journey from early setbacks to global sporting success. She spoke about facing repeated rejection as a young athlete, including being turned away from the national team because of her height, and how those experiences strengthened her determination to succeed.
Dr Deng is one of the most celebrated figures in Chinese table tennis. She won Olympic gold medals in women’s singles and doubles at Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996, securing four Olympic titles in total. She held the world number one ranking for eight consecutive years, won 18 World Championship titles, and became the first athlete to complete the table tennis “Grand Slam”, holding Olympic, World Championship and World Cup singles titles.
Dr Deng also reflected on her experience as a woman in elite sport, and the mindset required to sustain excellence under pressure.
Scholarship and Global Sport
Since retiring from competition at the age of 24, Dr Deng has pursued a distinguished second career spanning scholarship and international sport. She earned degrees from Tsinghua University and the University of Nottingham, and completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge, focusing on the role of international sporting events in bringing together diverse cultures.
Following her lecture, Dr Deng joined Professor Grant Jarvie, chair of Sport, and Mark Munro, director of Sport and Active Health, both at the University of Edinburgh, for a discussion on her transition from athlete to scholar and global ambassador, and the enduring influence of major sporting events.
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, said, “Deng Yaping’s remarkable journey, from Olympic champion to global ambassador, illustrates the values of excellence and international dialogue that major sporting events embody. We welcome Dr Deng to the University as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering cultural exchange through sport and education. As Scotland prepares to host this year’s Commonwealth Games, her story affirms that shared experiences in sport and learning continue to strengthen connections around the world.”
Munro said, “We are very excited to welcome one of the greatest Olympic champions in history, Dr Deng Yaping, to the University. Her remarkable achievements and influential journey beyond her playing career offer a powerful example of how determination can inspire both women in sport and athletes beyond their playing career to encourage future generations.”
Professor Jarvie said, “From Eric Liddell to Deng Yaping, sport has played an important part in connecting China to other parts of the world. It is a pleasure to help welcome China’s most decorated Olympian to Edinburgh and Scotland.”
Marking a Milestone for CIS
The event was presented by the Confucius Institute for Scotland at the University of Edinburgh as part of its 20th anniversary programme. On behalf of the organisers, Dr Chris Yeomans (Director) and Professor Chen Li (Co-Director) thanked Dr Deng for her inspiring contribution and presented commemorative gifts featuring the emblems of the University of Edinburgh and Fudan University.
Dr Deng also met Mandarin teaching staff at CIS, spent time with students from the University’s Table Tennis Society, and spoke with students from the “Chinese Bridge” spring camp, highlighting the value of people-to-people exchange through language, education and culture.
Dr Deng’s visit continues a long history of Edinburgh connections with China, from the University being among the first in the UK to host Chinese students in the 1850s, to the Olympic legacy of Eric Liddell, the Scottish champion born in Tianjin and raised in China, and the many Chinese students who make Edinburgh their home today.
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Presented by Fudan University Media Center
Source: The Confucius Institute for Scotland in the University of Edinburgh
Writer: WANG Mengqi
Editor: LI Yijie
