Embracing the true Olympic spirit

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded on Aug 11, showcasing the impressive talents of China's Generation Z athletes across various sports. While they embodied the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together", there has been a shift in perspectives on winning as a recognition of the true essence of the Olympic spirit.

Since the beginning of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, many exciting and unforgettable moments have been shared by athletes and audiences worldwide. We have cheered for victories and consoled those who fell short.

But beyond the triumphs and defeats, there is something more to admire: the poised and energetic demeanor of China's young athletes, coupled with their astonishing record-breaking achievements.

On Aug 4, 21-year-old Zheng Qinwen made history for Chinese tennis by winning the first gold medal in women's singles for both China and Asia. Just the following day, the young Chinese swimming team ended the US's decadeslong unbeaten streak in the men's 4x100m medley relay, finishing in three minutes and 27.46 seconds.

This extraordinary progress in nontraditional sports is particularly noteworthy because it adds to a nation's overall sporting prowess.

By winning gold medals in events once dominated by Western athletes, these young competitors have demonstrated a remarkable improvement in China's competitive sports landscape.

Equally inspiring is the positive mindset exhibited by these young athletes. They are confident and inclusive, both in competition and cross-cultural interactions, striving for excellence and breakthrough performances.

Moreover, they have moved away from the "gold medal only" mentality, embracing a more composed and rational approach to sports, which reflects a significant shift in their perspective.

There are countless examples. From 18-year-old BMX freestyle cyclist Deng Yawen to 26-year-old swimmer Zhang Yufei, many young athletes have captivated global audiences with their self-assured approach to competition. They genuinely enjoy competing.

When Zhang, China's "butterfly queen", missed out on a gold medal, she said, "I hope this time I can have a relaxed attitude and really enjoy the Olympics."

This shift in mindset and demeanor has moved the public focus away from just winning gold medals to appreciating the respect and glory that athletes and the Olympics truly deserve.

From the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, from the "post-50s" generation to today's "post-00s", successive generations of young Chinese athletes have repeatedly proven themselves through their inspiring performances.

For Gen Z athletes, success is the goal, but they remain equally graceful in the face of failure.

On the Olympic stage, these young people uphold the proud traditions of Chinese sports while showcasing a new image of a confident and open China, embodying the deep integration of Chinese values with the Olympic spirit.

But what exactly is the Olympic spirit? It begins with competition but transcends mere rivalry. It's not just about being faster, higher, stronger, but also about embracing sports with a positive attitude. It's sportsmanship that conveys the deeper meaning of athletics to humanity, making the Olympic Games the pinnacle of global sports.

yangchuchu@i21st.cn