China’s President Xi Jinping praised the Chinese Olympic delegation for their exemplary performance and sportsmanship during the Paris Olympics. The athletes were commended for their adherence to rules, respect for opponents, good race discipline, and civilised etiquette. President Xi highlighted the high standards of “morality, style, and cleanliness” maintained by the athletes, despite recent scrutiny over doping issues involving Chinese swimmers.
Recently, the Chinese swim team came under scrutiny following reports that 23 swimmers had tested positive for a banned heart medication in 2021 but were allowed to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Swimmer Pan Zhanle, who set a world record in the 100 metres freestyle, revealed that he had undergone 21 doping tests in the lead up to the Games. In response, China’s anti-doping agency accused the US Anti-Doping Agency of “hypocritical double standards” and called for increased testing of US track and field athletes by the International Testing Agency.
President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of sports development in China as a reflection of the country’s growing strength. The government has also been actively addressing disruptive and aggressive fan behavior in sports. Beijing police arrested a woman in August for defaming a table tennis player and her coach. Additionally, Pan Zhanle disbanded his fan group page on social media and expressed a preference for maintaining a low profile, signaling a shift towards a more subdued approach to fan engagement.
Overall, China’s performance at the Paris Olympics was lauded for its achievements, exemplary discipline, and high sportsmanship standards. Despite facing doping controversies and fan culture challenges, Chinese athletes demonstrated respect, discipline, and etiquette on and off the field. President Xi Jinping’s praise for the Olympic delegation reflects the government’s commitment to promoting sports development and maintaining a positive image internationally. As China continues to excel on the global sports stage, efforts to address doping issues and fan behavior will be crucial in maintaining the country’s sports reputation.
