On August 20, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with China’s Olympic delegation for Paris 2024 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, commending their impressive performance and sportsmanship. Team China secured 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals, marking their best-ever results at an overseas Summer Olympics.
During the meeting, Xi, who also serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, praised the athletes for bringing glory to the nation and its people. He urged them to continue their efforts in making China a global sports powerhouse. Xi emphasized that the Chinese delegation’s success reflects the country’s growing national strength, which has enabled it to become a significant force in international sports. He also highlighted that the competition in sports among major powers extends beyond the athletes to include advancements in science, technology, public health, infrastructure, and business environments.
In his address, Xi particularly acknowledged the heartfelt expressions of Chinese pride by two athletes after their victories at the Paris Olympics. Swimmer Pan Zhanle, who broke the men’s 100-meter freestyle world record, dedicated his gold medal to China, while tennis player Zheng Qinwen, the first Asian-born player to win an Olympic gold in tennis singles, emphasized that national honor surpasses individual achievements. Xi remarked that their victories exemplified the spirit of Chinese sports and the Olympic ideals, showcasing the richness of traditional Chinese culture and the dynamic, enterprising nature of modern China.
Sports scholar Luo Le of Beijing University of Chemical Technology noted that the success of young athletes at the Paris Olympics has inspired more youth to engage in sports, contributing to the broader goal of building China into a leading sports nation. Table tennis star Ma Long, a six-time Olympic gold medalist, reflected on the pride of singing the national anthem alongside fans in Paris, underscoring the role of sports in fostering resilience and national unity.
As China looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Xi stressed the importance of humility and continuous improvement in both training and competition. He also urged the US to ensure a fair and unbiased environment for all athletes, addressing concerns over the treatment of Chinese athletes at the Paris Games. Xi reiterated China’s commitment to excellence, with an eye on breaking more world records and challenging Western dominance in certain sports through clean, credible performances.
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