The golden generation

After a 36-year journey, China has finally set foot on the top step of an Olympic podium

By LI YINGXUE | CHINA DAILY | Updated: 2024-08-09 09:50
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After multiple world championships, China claimed its first-ever Olympic gold medal in artistic swimming at Paris 2024, after dominating the team acrobatic event on Wednesday. The United States took the silver with 914.3421, and Spain came third with 900.7319. REUTERS/AFP/WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY

The team, consisting of Feng Yu, Chang Hao, Wang Ciyue, Zhang Yayi, Wang Liuyi, Wang Qianyi, Xiao Yanning, Cheng Wentao and Xiang Binxuan, delivered a stunning performance in the team acrobatic routine, earning 283.6934 points and taking their overall score to an insurmountable and history-making 996.1389.

"We have not only fulfilled our own dreams, but also carried the aspirations of generations before us. As a generation entrusted with a significant responsibility, we came to Paris thoroughly prepared, hoping that three years of hard work would yield a perfect result," said team captain Feng.

Before departing for Paris, Feng, who served as the female flag bearer for the Chinese delegation at the opening ceremony, vowed to "impress the judges and surprise the audience".

At the Olympic Aquatics Centre, that promise was fulfilled.

After their victory, the Chinese athletes celebrated by high-fiving every medalist. "Happiness needs to be shared. We wanted to share our joy with all the athletes, not just because it's our first gold medal, but because we are all winners," explained Wang Liuyi.

Wang Liuyi's twin sister, Wang Qianyi, was participating in her second Games. Sharing the Olympic stage with her sister made the moment even more special.

"Last time, I competed in the Olympics alone. This time, standing on the podium with my sister feels completely different. Even though it's a team event, having my sister by my side makes me even happier, especially because we won the gold medal," said Wang Qianyi.

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