The 2024 Paris Olympics showcased a dominant performance by Team USA, yet China emerged as a formidable competitor. Despite America’s robust showing and cultural flair, it was China that led the gold medal count on the final day, with 39 golds to the U.S.’s 38. Here’s a closer look at how China has strategically positioned itself to potentially surpass the U.S. in Olympic golds.
China’s Strategic Olympic Approach
China’s success in the Olympics is no accident. The country has adopted a meticulous strategy to maximise its gold medal count:
- Focus on Specific Sports: While Team USA has concentrated on athletics and swimming, China excels in sports like diving, table tennis, weightlifting, shooting, and badminton. For instance, China secured every diving gold available at the Paris Games.
- Investment in Talent: The Chinese government has heavily invested in sports programs, targeting disciplines where they can achieve maximum impact.
China’s Recent Olympic Achievements
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Diving Dominance: China’s consistent success in diving is notable. Since 1984, about 20% of their golds have come from this sport. In Paris 2024, China continued this trend by winning all diving events.
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Breakthroughs in Swimming: China made significant strides in swimming. Pan Zhanle’s victory in the 4×100-meter medley relay, which included setting a world record in the 100-meter freestyle, marked a historic moment. This is the first time anyone has beaten the U.S. in this relay event.
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Historic Wins: Zheng Qinwen became the first Asian tennis player to win a gold in women’s singles. Additionally, China’s artistic swimming team delivered a breathtaking performance with their routine “Light of Life,” earning them top honours.
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Embracing New Sports: China is also making waves in newer Olympic sports. Deng Yawen won gold in women’s BMX freestyle, and 11-year-old Zheng Haohao made headlines as the youngest athlete at these Games.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite these successes, China’s Olympic performance has not been without controversy:
- Doping Allegations: There have been concerns over doping, particularly with 23 Chinese swimmers testing positive for banned substances in 2021. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accepted the explanation of contaminated food, and the Chinese government denies any wrongdoing.
- International Scrutiny: The U.S. and other countries have scrutinised China’s sports practices. This scrutiny includes allegations of double standards by anti-doping agencies, which adds to the ongoing tension between the two nations.
Historical Context of China’s Olympic Ambitions
China’s journey in the Olympics has evolved significantly since the early 20th century:
- Early Beginnings: Post-1949, Mao Zedong’s government promoted physical exercise as a way to build a disciplined and strong citizenry. This laid the groundwork for China’s future Olympic aspirations.
- Return to the Olympics: China withdrew from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in protest over Taiwan’s participation but returned in 1984. Since then, China’s performance has been on an upward trajectory, peaking at the 2008 Beijing Games with 51 golds.
The Geopolitical Dimension
The rivalry between the U.S. and China in the Olympics reflects broader geopolitical tensions:
- Sino-American Rivalry: The Olympics have become a stage for both countries to assert their global influence. The competition for gold medals is as much about national pride as it is about athletic excellence.
- China’s Nationalistic Pride: For China, Olympic success is a symbol of national strength and progress. The government and media use these victories to promote a positive image of the country, contrasting it with perceived Western shortcomings.
Future Outlook
As China continues to invest in its Olympic programme and adapt to new sports, the potential for surpassing the U.S. in gold medals grows:
- Strategic Investment: China’s focus on specific sports and systematic investment in talent development will likely keep it competitive on the global stage.
- Evolving Sports Landscape: The inclusion of new sports in the Olympics provides China with additional opportunities to excel and gain gold medals.
Conclusion
China’s ability to potentially outshine the U.S. in Olympic gold medals is rooted in strategic investments, targeted sports focus, and a deep-seated national drive for success. While controversies and geopolitical tensions add complexity to the narrative, China’s achievements in Paris 2024 underscore its growing prowess on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
