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Journalism of Courage
In the heart of Henan Province, China, a nine-year-old prodigy named Zhang Sixuan has redefined what’s possible, clinching the title of 2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Star at the Shaolin Games finals.
Her jaw-dropping tong zi gong performance—a Shaolin discipline that demands flexibility, strength, and control—left spectators and social media users in awe. A viral Instagram reel posted by @jimkwik, crediting @sherilevy_journeytoorganic as the source, captioned her feat as “A powerful reminder that with the right motivation, methods, mindset, and momentum, we can unlock our limitless potential.”
And unlock it she did.
According to China’s CGTN, Zhang outshone 124 martial artists from 47 countries during the July 2024 event at the Shaolin Temple, earning her place among the top 10 global winners. Her routine, which included gravity-defying flips and contortions, proved what people can achieve with years of dedication. She started her training at Henan’s Jingzhong Martial Arts School at the age of five. “Meet Zhang Sixuan, a remarkable 9-year-old who just became the 2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Star!” the caption of the reel said.
The reel went viral with over 22 million views and Instagram users couldn’t hold back. “There is always a Chinese kid better than you,” one user said, nodding to her prodigious talent. Another user commented, “She doing all this, and they barely clapping! Girl, you better come to Time Square and make your coin!”
A third user wrote, “While American kids eat crayons and play on iPads all day.” A fourth user said, “Can’t imagine how many tears she shredded and the pain she went through to make it perfect.”
Zhang’s journey, and this video in particular is now trending across platforms.
