Huang Qianqian (left) competes against Hong Seo-in of South Korea during the women's team foil fencing final of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, last Thursday. AP

Huang Qianqian's gutsy golds give Team China huge lift ahead of Paris Olympics

Reaching the top podium seemed unrealistic for young Chinese foil fencer Huang Qianqian before the start of the 19th Asian Games. So, after pocketing both the women's individual and team gold medals in Hangzhou, the 21-year-old is daring to dream even bigger.

"I'm so happy to achieve something here in Hangzhou. I've had a really special experience and this victory gives me more confidence. It's just an unbelievable moment in my career, a dream come true," she said.

"In terms of the Olympics I just want to go as deep as I can in the draw."

Huang first shot to prominence in Hangzhou when she ousted 2018 Asiad team gold medalist Sera Azuma of Japan in a thrilling quarterfinal, 11-10. Huang immediately became a trending topic on social media, with the hashtag "Chinese fencer roars after final hit" viewed around 60 million times in a week, with many fans commenting on Huang's gutsy performance.

In the gold-medal match she defeated another Japanese star, Yuka Ueno, 15-8 to claim her first Asian Games title.

"I was nervous when the score was 10-10, but I just told myself to keep calm and think clearly about what I was going to do. So when I eventually overcame my rival and myself, I felt incredible," said Huang.

She was quick to pay tribute to her coach, Lei Sheng, a legendary Chinese foil fencer who won the men's individual foil gold at the 2012 London Olympics.

"He's a very gentle coach, and is very supportive when we encounter difficulties and always encourages us. As he's an Olympic champion, he always shares his own story to inspire us," said Huang.