Science of Success: Table-Tennis Star Ni Xia Lian’s Olympic Longevity
Oct 25, 2024
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At 61, Ni Xia Lian defies athletic age norms, showcasing her incredible journey in professional table tennis. Her remarkable longevity is underscored by her supportive husband and coach, who shares heartfelt insights about her career. The discussion also tackles the importance of adapting training routines as athletes age, balancing intensity, and maintaining a healthy mindset. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the growing influence of artificial intelligence in enhancing efficiency in business, highlighting its intersection with human expertise.
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Quick takeaways
Ni Xia Lian's lengthy career in table tennis, achieving Olympic participation at 61, highlights the potential for athletic longevity and resilience.
The support system around athletes, particularly community and team dynamics, plays a crucial role in sustaining long-term success in sports.
Deep dives
Longevity and Achievement in Sports
Nhi Xia Lin's remarkable journey in table tennis highlights the potential for longevity in sports, as exemplified by her Olympic participation at the age of 61. She began her career at a young age, achieving significant milestones such as becoming a world champion at 19 and competing in six Olympics. Her dedication and resilience have kept her in the game for decades, where she has seen generations of players come and go. The support and respect from her team played a crucial role in her decision to return to the sport after retirement, showcasing the importance of community in an athlete's longevity and success.
Harnessing AI for Business Transformation
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing business efficiency, as showcased by insights from a leader in the field. The use of Gen.AI in call centers helped a major U.S. healthcare company reduce call volume by over 30%, while simultaneously improving customer satisfaction. This demonstrates how AI can supercharge organizational capabilities rather than replace human expertise. Leaders are encouraged to leverage these advancements to enhance productivity and maintain competitive advantage in an increasingly efficient marketplace.
Most athletes’ competitive years are in their 20s and 30s, but 61-year-old Ni Xia Lian has been playing professional table tennis for nearly 50 years. The Chinese-born Luxembourgish table-tennis player was one of the oldest athletes at this summer’s Paris Olympics. On the Science of Success, WSJ’s Ben Cohen speaks with Ni and Tommy Danielsson, her coach and husband, about how she’s maintained her longevity in competitive sports.