STILL THRILLIN'

Su Bingtian

Veteran sprinter Su Bingtian thrilled the nation with two major breakthroughs on the track in Tokyo. The 31-year-old set an Asian-record 9.83 seconds to win his 100-meter semifinal, thereby becoming the first Chinese to reach an Olympic final in the event. He couldn't reproduce that scintillating speed in the final and finished sixth, but he was chosen as the flag-bearer for the Chinese delegation at the closing ceremony in recognition of his stunning campaign. Su has ruled out competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, when the next generation of Asian sprinters will be aiming to emulate his feats.

Gong Lijiao

Perseverance paid for Gong Lijiao in Tokyo, with the Chinese shot put star finally achieving her dream of landing Olympic gold at her fourth Games. The two-time world champion also earned China's first ever Olympic title in a field event. The 32-year-old was coy when asked about her future plans, but hasn't ruled out another shot at glory at Paris 2024 just yet, saying: "Will I retire? As long as the nation needs me, I will keep fighting on... I use my passion and devotion to the sport to draw people's attention to it. It's the Gong Lijiao era."

Ma Long

Ma Long cemented his legacy as one of the greatest table tennis players of all time by becoming the first man to twice complete the sport's Grand Slam－comprising Olympic, world championship and world cup titles. The 32-year-old took his Olympic gold-medal tally to five with victories in the men's singles and men's team events in Tokyo, disproving the notion that his paddling powers may be on the wane. Ma had struggled for top form after knee surgery in 2019, but after his Tokyo triumphs said: "As long as I still have the love and passion for the sport, any age is a golden age for me."

Lyu Xiaojun

At the age of 37, China's Lyu Xiaojun became the oldest man to win an Olympic weightlifting gold medal when he triumphed in the 81kg category. He also set three new Olympic records in Tokyo. He won gold at the London 2012 Games, and a silver at Rio 2016. Lyu, whose training videos have proved a massive hit on social media, said his love for the sport keeps him motivated. "I have enjoyed weightlifting from a young age, and it's my passion," he said. "This is why I have carried on until I'm 37 and might continue until I'm 40."

Liu Hong

Retaining the Olympic 20km race walk title she won in Rio proved to be just beyond Liu Hong, but she still did the nation proud by battling to a bronze medal in the stifling heat of Tokyo. After winning gold in Rio, Liu took time out from her sport to become a mom, but returned to competition in 2019, when her daughter was barely a year old. The 34-year-old admitted that taking on her younger rivals, as well as taking care of her daughter, was tough going at times. "I'm really proud of myself. I have made it and I surpassed myself," said Liu.

Li Zhenqiang

Show jumping rider Li Zhenqiang, who competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was the Chinese delegation's oldest athlete in Tokyo, at the age of 54. His son, Li Yaofeng, was his teammate in Tokyo, and although both finished outside the medals, they were buoyed by the knowledge that their appearances at the Games would boost equestrian sport's profile in China. "My father is a key reason why I fell in love with show jumping. I now have a better understanding of the sport. It has become a vital part of my life," said Li Yaofeng.

Huang Xuechen

Artistic swimmer Huang Xuechen (back), 31, took her Olympic medal tally to seven in Tokyo, collecting silvers in the duet free routine and team free routine. After the 2016 Rio Olympics, Huang took maternity leave from her sport, but returned two years later with the Tokyo Games in her sights. Age and injuries meant it was tough for the veteran to regain peak condition, but after dropping 30 kilograms in weight, she was soon back on the medal trail. "Once I make up my mind, I try my hardest to be the best," said Huang.

Dong Dong

Simply qualifying for the Tokyo Games was an achievement in itself for veteran Chinese trampoline gymnast Dong Dong. So, the silver medal the 32-year-old won with a near-perfect performance in Tokyo was unbelievable to many fans. Dong won his first Olympic medal, a bronze, at Beijing 2008, before standing on the highest podium at London 2012. Silver was satisfaction enough for Dong in Tokyo. "The reason why I cried was not because I didn't win the gold medal. It was because so many people have helped me to compete until this day," he said.

Wu Jingyu

Despite missing out on a medal in Tokyo, Chinese taekwondo legend Wu Jingyu still earned the highest respect from fans and the global sports community. The 34-year-old saw her bid to become a three-time Olympic champion in the 49kg class end in the quarterfinals. International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach led the tributes to Wu, describing her as a great athlete and mother. Wu claimed golds at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, then quit taekwondo after the Rio Games to give birth to her daughter, before returning to competition in 2018.

Pang Wei

China's Pang Wei shot to fame at the 2008 Beijing Games when he won 10m air pistol gold. Thirteen years later in Tokyo, he again stood on the highest podium by winning the 10m air pistol mixed team gold, along with a 10m air pistol bronze. After Rio 2016, where he won bronze, Pang retired to become a coach. In 2019, he decided he had some unfinished Olympic business. The 35-year-old trained over 10 hours a day in preparation for Tokyo, but insisted his medals made it all worthwhile. "I'm so happy to win an Olympic medal again," Pang said. "It's the best reward for my efforts."