Zheng Qinwen celebrates after winning the women's singles tennis final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, August 3, 2024. /IC
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.
Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle celebrates as he wins the men's 100m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 31, 2024. /IC
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.
Chinese teenage duo Huang Yuting and Sheng Lihao claim the first gold medal of the Paris Olympics in the 10m air rifle mixed team event in Paris, France, July 27, 2024. /IC
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.
Deng Yawen dominates the women's BMX freestyle park event at Paris 2024, topping the leaderboard with the highest scores of the competition in both her turns, July 31, 2024. /IC
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.
Chinese star divers Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi steal the spotlight at the women's synchronized 10m platform title at the Paris 2024 Games, grabbing the gold medal with their overwhelming performances, July 31, 2024. /IC
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.
Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle competes during the men's 100m freestyle final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 31, 2024. /IC
Beyond these victories, other Chinese Gen Z athletes also made history in swimming and tennis.
Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle shows his gold medal for the men's 100m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 31, 2024. /IC
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.
Zheng Qinwen celebrates after defeating top seed Iga Swiatek in the tennis semifinals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, August 1, 2024. /IC
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.
Zheng Qinwen wins the women's singles tennis final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, August 3, 2024. /IC
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.
Young Chinese skater Zheng Haohao competes during the women's park preliminaries at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, August 6, 2024. /IC
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.
Young skater Zheng Haohao points to the Chinese national flag with a bright smile at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, August 6, 2024. /IC
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.