“Golden Medals” Beyond the Olympic Gold Medal

Release Date:

2024-08-14

BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) — On August 13, the Xinhua Daily Telegraph published a commentary titled “The ‘Golden Medals’ Beyond Olympic Gold.”

　　The Paris Olympics have come to a close, with Chinese athletes securing 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals—marking the best-ever performance by China in overseas Summer Games since its full participation began in 1984. Beyond these outstanding results, many moments are just as unforgettable as the gold-medal victories themselves.

　　The Olympic arena is both a stage for athletic competition and a platform for cultural exchange. With the motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together,” the Games celebrate not only tangible gold medals but also “gold medals of morality, sportsmanship, and integrity.” In Paris this summer, Chinese athletes showcased to the world their indomitable spirit, tenacious determination, and exceptional skill, while also presenting China’s unique character and spreading its enduring ethos. They won not only the gold of competitive excellence but also a “golden medal” symbolizing friendliness, optimism, and a love of life.

　　There is a “golden medal” called kindness. For example, Chinese women’s singles badminton player He Bingjiao, at the awards ceremony, held her silver medal in one hand and a Spanish Olympic Committee badge in the other, paying tribute to her semifinal opponent, Carolina Marín, who had withdrawn due to injury. This small yet heartwarming gesture was widely reported by the media and stands as a tangible embodiment of the Olympic spirit.

　　There is a “golden medal” called sunshine. Take, for example, Chinese women’s singles tennis player Zheng Qinwen: on the court, she faced the world No. 1 without the slightest fear, steadily advancing to win China’s first-ever Olympic gold in women’s singles. Off the court, with her fluent English, bright smile, and candid remarks, she radiated warmth and composure. Another example is Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle, who, after securing China’s first-ever swimming gold, exuded youthful energy and genuine sincerity.

　　There is a “golden medal” called passion. Take, for example, Huang Xuemei, a post‑90s bank programmer from China, who competed in the Paris Olympics’ marathon and claimed the women’s title—finishing just 18 minutes and 8 seconds behind the professional women’s champion. Alongside more than a hundred Chinese amateur runners, Huang ran for the love of the sport, inching closer to her Olympic dream step by step. Then there’s Ma Long, who at 35 secured his sixth Olympic gold; Liu Hong, the Chinese racewalker who made her fifth Olympic appearance at 37; and Zheng Haohao, the 11‑year‑old Chinese skateboarder who took to the streets of Paris. All of them show us what it means when “passion can overcome any obstacle.”

　　Sunshine‑filled, kind‑hearted, poised and confident, and boldly chasing their dreams—these Chinese Olympians may not always stand atop the highest podium, yet they are equally outstanding ambassadors of the Olympic spirit. The beautiful Seine River will forever cherish their grace and glory.

[Editor-in-charge: Wu Jingze]

Source: Xinhua Net

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