Beyond Gold: Ma Long's reflections on his Olympic journey

by sportswriter Xiao Yazhuo

CASCAIS, Portugal, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Amid a gathering of the world's top sports leaders, Chinese table tennis great Ma Long took the stage at the ANOC Awards in Cascais, smiling to a standing ovation as he accepted the Outstanding Sporting Career award.

Recognized for his extraordinary journey across four Olympic Games, the 36-year-old veteran reflected on the highs, lows, an