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Zhiying Zeng Makes Her Olympic Dream Debut at 58 Years Old

Jul 30 2024 Share

Chinese-Chilean phenomenon Zhiying Zeng has finally realized her dream by debuting at the Olympics at the age of 58.

Zeng has been playing table tennis professionally since she was 12 years old, and just four years later, she was selected to join China’s national team. However, a sudden rule change in the game disrupted her career.

Following this setback, Zeng moved to Chile to coach children and start a new life. Although she retired from professional play, she dedicated herself to coaching hundreds of kids, including her own son, before briefly returning to competitive play in 2003. She later stepped away again to focus on her furniture store.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zeng decided to test her skills once more, gradually working her way up to become the number one ranked player in Chile, ultimately qualifying for the Olympics to represent her adopted country. She even managed to win bronze medal at the 2023 Pan American games.

Despite losing to Mariana Sahakian of Lebanon 4-1 in the preliminary rounds, Zeng’s family, including her 92-year-old father in China, witnessed her fulfill her lifelong dream.

#MaltaDaily

Universal Air Kicks Off Flights To Salerno Costa D’Amalfi Airport

Universal Air Kicks Off Flights To Salerno Costa D'Amalfi Airport
Jul 30 2024 Share

Universal Air has launched bi-weekly flights between Malta and the newly opened Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport, starting on Thursday, 25 July 2024.

This new route joins their expanding network of Mediterranean destinations, including Ibiza, Palermo, Corfu, Nice, and Pécs. The Salerno airport, previously used solely for military purposes, is now open for commercial flights and is part of Universal Air’s extended summer schedule.

Flights will operate on Mondays and Thursdays, offering flexibility for both leisure and business travellers, with fares starting at €69.

Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport provides easy access to the region’s renowned coastal towns and serves as an ideal destination for weekend getaways and family visits, thanks to its rich history and vibrant culture.

Universal Air’s CEO, Simon Cook, expressed excitement about offering this new route, highlighting Salerno’s appeal beyond just the Amalfi Coast and noting the company’s commitment to expanding its network across the Mediterranean and North Africa.

Universal Air, based at Malta International Airport, has a strong aviation background, providing charter and cargo services for many years. The airline leverages Malta’s strategic location to connect travellers to a variety of destinations.

#MaltaDaily

French Embassy In Malta Addresses Olympics Opening

French Embassy In Malta Addresses Olympics Opening
Jul 30 2024 Share

The Embassy of France in Malta issued a statement following the backlash caused by the Olympics Paris 2024 opening, wherein a scene was thought to be a parody of the Last Supper with drag queens at the table.

The statement, which follows a letter penned by Archbishop Charles Scicluna among others, referred to the explanation given by the artistic director issued on Sunday 28th.

“So no, it wasn’t my inspiration. In fact, I think it was quite clear that Dionysus was coming to the table. Why Dionysus? Because he is first and foremost the god of celebration in Greek mythology, and the painting is called “Les Festivités”.

“He is the god of wine, an important symbol in France, and the father of Sequana, the goddess linked to the river Seine. (…) You will never find in me any desire to mock or denigrate. I wanted to organise a ceremony that would repair and reconcile, and that would reaffirm the values of our Republic: liberty, equality and fraternity”.

‘And now it’s time for the Games, and let’s embrace, together, the values of Olympism: friendship, respect, excellence, which forge unity in diversity’, the statement ended.

#MaltaDaily

Olympics Swimming Training Cancelled Due To River Contamination

Olympics Swimming Training Cancelled Due To River Contamination
Jul 30 2024 Share

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s attempt to prove the Seine’s safety by swimming in it backfired when tests on the same day revealed unsafe bacterial levels.

This issue has now led to the cancellation of Olympic triathlon swimming training for two consecutive days, as the river was deemed unsafe.

For months, there has been a debate over whether the Seine could be cleaned in time for the Paris Olympics.

Despite repeated tests showing dangerous levels of E.coli and other bacteria, French politicians have taken televised swims to assert the river’s safety. Paris officials frequently blame rainfall for the poor water quality but remain “optimistic” about meeting the Olympic standards.

Historically, the Seine was a popular swimming spot and even hosted events during the 1900 Olympics. However, swimming was banned in 1923 due to boat traffic and pollution.

Over the years, the river’s condition worsened, becoming heavily polluted and affecting aquatic life. It also became a dumping ground for rubbish and untreated wastewater.

In 2015, Paris launched a €1.4 billion project to clean the Seine in time for the Olympics. This initiative included constructing a giant basin to capture excess rainwater, renovating sewer infrastructure, and upgrading wastewater treatment plants.

Despite these efforts, recent tests suggest that the Seine may still not be ready to host Olympic athletes.

#MaltaDaily