Under the glow of Olympics: An ode to China's youth

As the Olympic flame was extinguished in Paris, the "City of Lights" bid a memorable farewell to what IOC President Thomas Bach aptly called the "Seine-sational" Paris 2024 Games. Team China delivered a stellar performance, winning 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals. The spotlight shone brightly on the country's post-2000s generation athletes, who not only achieved their own dreams but also propelled the nation to new milestones, particularly in emerging sports.

On August 12, as we celebrate International Youth Day 2024, it's an ideal moment to honor the young Chinese Olympians who dazzled in Paris. Their unwavering professionalism, relentless pursuit of "faster, higher, stronger," vibrant self-confidence, unique personalities, warmth, and boundless enthusiasm lit up the Olympic stage.

Among these standout athletes were the Chinese shooter duo, 17-year-old Huang Yuting and 19-year-old Sheng Lihao, who secured the first gold medal of the Paris Olympics in the 10m air rifle mixed team event.

Another remarkable achievement came from 18-year-old BMX cyclist Deng Yawen, who clinched China's first-ever gold medal in the women's freestyle BMX competition at Paris 2024, crowning herself an Olympic champion in her debut.

In the diving events, 17-year-old Quan Hongchan and 19-year-old Chen Yuxi delivered overwhelming performances, capturing gold in the 10m platform synchro with breathtaking precision.

Beyond these victories, other Chinese Gen Z athletes also made history in swimming and tennis.

Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle shattered the 100m freestyle world record, finishing in 46.40 seconds to claim gold at the Paris Olympics on July 31, just days before his 20th birthday on August 4.

Shifting the focus from the pool to the tennis court, China's 21-year-old tennis ace Zheng Qinwen made history at the Roland Garros's Court Philippe-Chatrier. In her first Olympics, she triumphed over Donna Vekic to win the women's singles tennis gold, bringing home China's first-ever Olympic gold medal in the sport.

The Olympics is never just about winning gold medals; it is about dedication, giving your all, and sharing the joy of every match with your fellow Olympians.

Dropping in with graceful ease and a toothy smile, Zheng Haohao, the youngest athlete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, navigated the depths of the Place de La Concorde's park bowl on August 6.

Having just celebrated her 12th birthday on August 11, Zheng ranked 18th in the women's park preliminaries, narrowly missing the final. Despite this, she gained invaluable experience for the future, and her bright smile reflected an easygoing mindset and a love for the sport.