The announcement of the new head coach of China's women's soccer team has touched the hearts of countless fans. 55-year-old Shui Qingxia, the iconic figure of the "Clanging Roses" era, has finally waited for the stage that belongs to her. From a warrior on the pitch to a wise general on the coaching bench, Shui Qingxia has composed an incredible legend with her extraordinary talent.
The opening of the soccer wonderland
Shui Qingxia's love affair with soccer is quite dramatic.
She didn't start out in soccer, but practiced track and field at Hongkou Minor Sports School, specializing in the long jump and pentathlon. However, her coaches advised her to switch sports as her body condition was not considered good enough to reach a high level, and at the age of 17, on the occasion of the diversion of the school, Shui Qingxia had her first contact with soccer, and who would have thought that this young girl, who knew the rules of soccer for the first time, would become a member of the national team and a bright star in the history of the sport.
At first, Shui Qingxia's soccer skills and ball sense were quite rusty. She was only able to turn the ball over 10 times in the ball-turning test. But it was her tenacity and physical fitness that got her selected by the coach to join the Shanghai team. As training progressed, her confidence grew.
In just over a year's time, Shui Qingxia completed a magnificent transition from athletics to soccer, becoming the first Shanghai-born player to be called up in the history of China's women's soccer team. She specializes in central midfield yet can adapt to various positions, and is considered one of the most versatile players.
On the field, Shui Qingxia is known for her desperation. In 1993, she was accidentally injured in a teaching match while staying in Japan, resulting in a fracture of the tibia of her right leg, which had to be operated. Despite experiencing numerous injuries, she remained resilient and showed strong mental qualities.
In the national team, Shui Qingxia was a decorated player with many Asian championships and Olympic runner-up, and at the age of 34, she also set the oldest age for a national team player. at the end of 2001, she chose to retire at the age of 35.
Gentle Coach
After her retirement, Shui Qingxia devoted herself to coaching, and her coaching career was equally brilliant, from assistant coach of Shanghai women's soccer team to coach of the national youth team.
She believes that being a coach can bring care and help to players, which is why she chooses to stay in the soccer circle. Under her leadership, Shanghai women's soccer team has won many championships and developed a batch of excellent young players.
Despite her serious exterior, Shui Qingxia is full of warmth inside. She focuses on the cohesion of the team, emphasizing unity and giving, making the team like a big family.
Now, at the age of 55, Shui Qingxia is about to take on a new challenge and continue to write a legend on the soccer stage.
