Paris Olympics 2024 China delivers best Games since Beijing 2008
China Delivers Best Summer Olympics Performance Since 2008, Ties with the U.S. in Gold Medal Count
In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, China delivered its best performance at a Summer Olympics since the 2008 Games on home soil, matching the United States in the number of gold medals won. With a total of 40 golds, China achieved its highest gold medal count ever at an Olympics outside its borders, narrowly missing out on topping the overall standings due to a tie-breaking silver medal count.
This extraordinary achievement comes despite immense pressure and intensified scrutiny stemming from a doping controversy involving some of China’s swimmers. Reports by The New York Times and German broadcaster ARD in April 2024 revealed that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2021 but were still allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. In response, China’s Foreign Ministry accused the United States of using the case, which doping authorities later concluded was caused by contamination, to undermine Chinese swimmers ahead of the Paris Games.
Dominance in Diving and Table Tennis
Chinese athletes reaffirmed their dominance in diving and table tennis, sweeping all the gold medals in these events. The diving team, long regarded as the pinnacle of the sport, showcased their expertise with precision and consistency. Similarly, China’s table tennis players, known for their unparalleled skills and technique, continued their legacy by clinching every title available.
Success in Badminton, Weightlifting, and Shooting
In addition to their traditional strengths, China expanded its gold medal haul with significant victories in other disciplines. The nation secured two golds on the badminton court, continuing its storied history in the sport. On the weightlifting platform, Chinese lifters demonstrated their might, capturing five gold medals. The shooting range also proved fruitful for China, with five golds added to the tally.
Breakthroughs in Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Women’s Boxing, and Tennis
China also made significant breakthroughs in sports where it had not previously excelled. For the first time, Chinese athletes won gold medals in artistic swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, women’s boxing, and singles tennis. Among the standout performances was 21-year-old Zheng Qinwen, who solidified her reputation as one of the brightest young talents in women’s tennis. Zheng claimed the singles gold at Roland Garros after a series of hard-fought victories, including a notable win against world number one Iga Świątek.
Swimming Success Despite Doping Controversy
Despite the doping scandal that threatened to overshadow their achievements, Chinese swimmers delivered stellar performances in the pool. Pan Zhanle, a 20-year-old swimmer, emerged as China’s biggest star by breaking the world record in the 100 meters freestyle, the event’s blue-ribbon race. Pan also led China to a historic victory in the men’s 4×100 medley relay, ending the United States’ dominance in the event.
Zhang Yufei, another prominent swimmer mentioned in the ARD report, put the controversy behind her to become China’s most decorated Olympic swimmer. Zhang won six medals in Paris, bringing her career total to ten. “We are innocent,” Zhang asserted, addressing the allegations. “World Aquatics and other parties have already got to the bottom of everything and clarified online. If some people still don’t believe it, we are not going to refute any more in vain, because innocence will prevail.”
Success in New Olympic Events
China’s success extended to some of the newer additions to the Olympic program. The country claimed a gold medal in women’s BMX freestyle, showcasing its versatility and adaptability in emerging sports. Chinese athletes also earned two silver medals in sport climbing and a bronze in women’s breaking, a street dance competition making its Olympic debut.
Total Medal Count and Final Standings
In total, China concluded the Paris Olympics with an impressive 91 medals, underscoring the nation’s comprehensive strength across a wide range of sports. The achievement, particularly the 40 gold medals, marked a significant milestone for China, reaffirming its position as a global sports powerhouse and signaling a bright future for its athletes on the world stage.
Despite the controversies and challenges, China’s athletes rose to the occasion, delivering one of the country’s most memorable Olympic performances in history.
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