Zhang Qingying, a gymnast from Taizhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfb001]

Zhang Qingying, a gymnast from Taizhou, Zhejiang province, has clinched her first-ever World Cup gold in the balance beam, solidifying her status as a rising star in the gymnastics world.

The Chinese team, which included Zhang, triumphed at the FIG World Cup 2024, which concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan on March 12, by securing a total of two gold and three silver medals.

Zhang earned her spot in the finals following an impressive performance in the qualification round, where she came in second place. During the final round, Zhang displayed her extraordinary abilities, overcoming a slight wobble to score 14.233, ultimately earning a gold medal for the Chinese team.

Born in 2007 in Taizhou's Jiaojiang district, Zhang Qingying's journey in gymnastics began at the age of five. Her innate talent quickly became evident, and in 2015, she was selected for the Zhejiang provincial team, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. Over the years, she has achieved numerous team and individual all-around championships in national youth contests.

Zhang's ascent continued at the 10th Asian Gymnastics Championships in June 2023, where she bagged three gold medals in the women's team, balance beam, and floor exercise events, in addition to pocketing a silver medal in the women's individual all-around competition.