Chinese Olympians from the Paris 2024 Games highlighted sports spirit and perseverance while attending a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, welcomed the delegation at the reception, praising their excellent performance and sportsmanship.
China secured 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, marking the country's best ever performance at an overseas Olympic Games.
Ma Long, China's legendary table tennis player and the country's most decorated Olympian with six gold medals, said Chinese athletes have won the respect of their opponents with athletic performance and clean competition.
"Chinese youngsters or Chinese athletes have always showcased their tenacity, confidence and positive spirit in competitions, not only winning gold medals, but more importantly, earning the respect of the opponents and audiences from around the world," he said.
Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei, who won medals in all six of her events in Paris, said she felt that China has become stronger during her competition.
"The Paris Olympics has left me with the most profound impression of the Chinese sports spirit. From the first day to the last day, both from my personal experience and observing events outside the competition venue, I felt China is steadily growing stronger," she said.
Zhang also shared a heart-warming story during the competition.
"During the mixed medley relay, we were all nervous, worried about losing the gold medal if we didn't perform well. I swam the third leg, and the younger girl swimming the fourth leg told me, 'it's okay, sister Fei, in case you don't perform well, I'm here. I will be here backing you.' I immediately felt a lump in my throat. Our young athletes have grown up, becoming the backbones. When you can't do it, I'm here. When I can't do it, you're here. We're truly a team. I have never expected her to say that. In the past competitions I was the one who comforted the others. This was the first time someone spoke to me like that," she said.
Chinese diving teenage star Quan Hongchan noted the importance of perseverance, encouraging audience to courageously pursue their dreams.
"Don't give up. Sometimes I want to give up halfway through something, but if you don't stick to it, how do you know the result? If you have a dream, pursue it, and don't be afraid of failure," she said.
Chinese Olympians celebrate Paris 2024 triumph, highlighting spirit and perseverance at Beijing reception
