Paris 2024 | Chinese swimming team makes history in face of challenges

The Chinese swimming team won a total of 2 golds, 3 silvers, and 7 bronzes at the Paris Olympics, surpassing their previous 10-medal best at the 2012 London Olympics and doubling their Tokyo tally.

During the Games, Team China set four new world records in swimming, including one by Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle in the men’s 100m freestyle final with a time of 46.40 seconds.

It also set an Asian record in the mixed 4x100m medley relay. The Chinese team, consisting of Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang, Sun Jiajun, and Pan Zhanle, won gold to break the United States’ 40-year dominance in the event.

However, Team China’s journey to success was not without challenges.

When Pan made record-breaking triumph in the 100m freestyle final, the athlete faced unexpected questioning and bias from some Western media.

International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams responded at a press conference on Friday that Chinese Olympic swimmers are fully tested (for doping) and they are the most tested swimming team.

In addition to the daily 6 a.m. drug tests, the Chinese swimming team faced numerous challenges including external influences, public pressure, and adaptation to the venue all presented tests for them.

Gold medalists Team China attend the awarding ceremony for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay of swimming at Paris 2024 Olympic Games, France, Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Fu Tian)

Qin Haiyang, the world record holder, underperformed in the men’s 100m and 200m breaststroke.

Defending champion Zhang Yufei took bronze in the women’s 100m butterfly due to health issues.

Veteran Xu Jiayu, competing in his fourth Olympics and a world champion, only managed to win silver in the men’s 100m backstroke.

Tang Qianting, who recently won a world championship, also fell short in the women’s 100m breaststroke final, finishing with a silver.

In addition to the daily 6 a.m. drug tests, the Chinese swimming team faced numerous challenges including external influences, public pressure, and adaptation to the venue all presented tests for them.

With a total of 12 medals, the Chinese swimming team’s performance in Paris was impressive. Despite some regrets, as Zhang noted, winning Olympic gold requires favorable conditions and teamwork.

Dreams fulfilled, and history made, they will embark on a new journey.