Lily Zhang is competing in table tennis at her fourth Olympic Games and counts the NBA's Anthony Edwards among her fans. Zhang has attracted some big-name supporters at these Olympic Games in Paris, including her Team USA buddy Anthony Edwards. But the table tennis star has no greater fan than her girlfriend, Jessie. The cute couple appear to have been dating for at least a year, and Jessie has been sharing updates from her “Paris 2024 WAG diaries” on her TikTok account.
The Love and Support Surrounding Lily Zhang
Zhang, 28, won her opening two matches in the women’s singles tournament to make it through to the last 16 at an Olympics for the first time in her career. An animated Edwards was spotted in the crowd for Zhang’s round-of-32 tie against Bruna Takahashi. The Brazilian was the favorite, but Edwards’ strong vocal support from the stands seemed to inspire the American, who powered to victory over her higher-ranked opponent.
A Chance Encounter and a Friendly Challenge
It all stemmed from a conversation at the Opening Ceremony. Zhang and her teammates were introduced by Steph Curry to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Edwards, who apparently said he considers himself to be an “all-around athlete” — and that he counts ping pong as one of his speciality sports. A challenge was instigated, with Curry saying to Edwards, “Ant, they saying that they can smack you 21-nothing.” Edwards’ trip to watch Zhang in action may have been a scouting mission.
The Power of Love and Support
“So unbelievably proud even tho the whole internet thinks my gf is dating ant edwards when the only ant in her life is the pest that is me,” wrote Jessie, alongside images from the South Paris Arena. Alas, her singles journey ended in the next round when she was well-beaten by 20-year-old Shin Yu-bin of South Korea, the fourth seed. However, Zhang’s Games are not yet over as she will compete in the women’s team event, with the USA due to face Germany in the first round on Tuesday morning.
A Journey of Triumph and Determination
Earlier this week, she was the subject of an affectionate Wall Street Journal profile by Stu Woo which described her as “the queen of American table tennis” and detailed how although her Chinese immigrant parents Bob and Linda have backed her sporting ambitions, they still hope she gets a “real job” soon. When she was 12, Zhang became the youngest player to ever make the U.S. women’s national team. Four years later, she competed at her first Olympics at London 2012, and she went on to win bronze at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing two years later. She proudly lists four-time Olympian and six-time national champion in the bio of her Instagram account, where she has shared photos of recent adventures with her girlfriend, who is based in Sydney, Australia.
A Love Story that Transcends Distance
Jessie’s TikTok account (which has “so gay” in the bio) has a pinned post titled “dating a professional athlete” and adorably showcases the joys and challenges of a long-distance relationship. Zhang, who looks set to continue to L.A. 2028, has been one of many viral stars so far at these Games. We can’t wait to cheer her on in the team competition, and we’ll be looking out for Jessie’s WAG updates too.
An Inspiring Example of LGBTQ+ Representation
The list of out gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and nonbinary Olympians will continue to grow. Zhang's story is a testament to the power of love, support, and the pursuit of athletic excellence, all while embracing her identity and inspiring others to do the same. Her journey, both on and off the court, is a reminder that the world is a more beautiful place when we celebrate our differences and support each other's dreams.
