2000s athletes take center stage at Paris Olympics

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By sportswriters Yue Wenwan and Li Chunyu (Xinhua) 08:39, August 12, 2024

Deng Yawen of China competes in the women's park final of cycling BMX freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on July 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

* A new generation of Chinese athletes, born after 2000, impressed the world with remarkable performances and vibrant spirit at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

* These young athletes achieved multiple historic firsts for the Chinese delegation that collected 91 medals, including 40 gold as the Games closed on Sunday.

* They not only achieved athletic successes but showcased their potential to inspire globally with their confidence and charm.

PARIS, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- "The waves behind drive on those ahead", an old Chinese saying perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the past 17 days as the Olympic Games returned to Paris after a century.

The Games was marked by historic firsts and inspiring performances from a new generation of Chinese athletes, born after 2000, who, like the rising waves of a mighty river, captured the world's attention not just with their athletic achievements, but with the vibrant spirit they embody.

On the field, they displayed remarkable resilience and energy, and off the field, they shone in Paris with confidence and charm.

MAKING HISTORY

Pan Zhanle of China celebrates after the men's 100m freestyle final of swimming at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on July 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

Paris 2024 confirmed Pan Zhanle's status as one of swimming's brightest stars.

In the 100m freestyle, Pan shattered his own world record and won gold in a time of 46.40 seconds. He also anchored China to victory in the men's 4x100m medley relay final alongside Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang and Sun Jiajun.

It broke the United States' run of 10 successive gold medals in this event dating back to the Los Angeles 1984 Games.

"This is magic for me," Pan said after the relay triumph, which coincided with his 20th birthday. "I fulfilled the promise I made a year ago to celebrate my birthday with a team gold medal."

Zheng Qinwen of China competes during the women's singles gold medal match of tennis against Donna Vekic of Croatia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on Aug. 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)

In the biggest win on a tennis court for China since Li Na, Zheng Qinwen won the women's singles gold medal at Roland Garros, the same court that Li notched her first Grand Slam title at the French Open 13 years ago.

On her way to the top of the podium, the 21-year-old Zheng had eliminated former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber of Germany and a rival she had never conquered before the Paris Games, current world No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland.

"After the third round, I was in pain and playing with bandages. It wasn't easy to overcome these challenges. This is the first time I've fought five battles for five days in a row, and I feel like I've pushed to my limits," said Zheng.

Her landmark victory broke through the sport's traditional Western powerhouses, signaling that a new wave of talent from Asia is ready to challenge the world's best.

Speaking directly to young tennis fans in China who stayed up late to watch her matches, Zheng offered words of encouragement: "Be brave and dream big. Achieving dreams requires setting goals, but the journey will have its hardships, doubts, and sacrifices. Enjoy the process because every failure is a step towards success. Standing where I am today, I can say that all the effort is worth it."

Chen Yuxi/Quan Hongchan (R) of China compete during the women's synchronized 10m platform final of diving at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Saint Denis, near Paris, France, on July 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

In diving, a batch of young divers spearheaded by teenagers Chen Yuxi and Quan Hongchan dominated and achieved a clean sweep of all eight gold medals at stake.

In the emerging realm of extreme sports, young Chinese athletes also made breakthroughs. 18-year-old Deng Yawen won gold in the women's BMX freestyle, impressing with her fearlessness and technical skill.

"BMX is quite a niche sport in China. Winning this gold medal means that this sport will become stronger and stronger in my country," said Deng.

"Today's competition is over, and the honor of gaining a gold medal won't follow me in every competition... I'm really just going to focus on my training and show the world a better version of me."

BEYOND MEDALS