China’s champions welcomed to UW-Madison

Faculty, staff and members of Madison’s Chinese community joined Chancellor Biddy Martin at Olin House to welcome 15 world-class Chinese athletes, including one coach, to the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Photo: Wind turbines in a field

Chancellor Biddy Martin (right) shakes hands with table tennis champion Zhang Yining during a welcome event for a group of visiting Chinese athletes at Olin House on April 13, 2011. Martin welcomed the group of 15 athletes that will be staying in Madison until mid-December as part of a unique exchange with Beijing Sport University in China.

Photo: Bryce Richter

“I find it very moving to have you here, and to be in the presence of young people who have achieved as much as you have all achieved,” said Chancellor Martin, addressing the athletes. “We are honored; we can’t wait to spend time with you.”

With a visit by the UW Spirit Squad, the atmosphere was light. As kinesiology professor and program coordinator Li Li Ji introduced the athletes, they posed for snapshots with Bucky Badger and flashed “W” with their fingers.

Children crowded near the podium as Zhang Yining, a national superstar in table tennis, made brief remarks in English.

“This nine-month program in Madison will be one of the most valuable parts in our study, and a warm memory in our life,” said Zhang.

After Martin presented each athlete with a gift, the athletes presented the chancellor with gifts on behalf of leaders at Beijing Sport University, their home institution.

The group arrived on March 31 and will stay until mid-December, studying English, exercise science and other subjects while learning more about the United States and life at a major American university.