The most remarkable event in August was the Paris Olympics, where China matched the U.S.'s 40 gold medals. In the context of the tense geopolitical landscape between the U.S. and China, this felt like a win-win for both nations. However, the victory was marred by controversy. When 20-year-old swimmer Pan Zhanle won gold in the men’s 100-meter freestyle, setting a new world record, he was accused of cheating. An Australian swim expert claimed it was not humanly possible to achieve such a result. Similar allegations were made against the Chinese swimming team after winning gold in the 4x100-meter men’s relay, a race that ended the U.S.'s decade-long dominance. Such prejudice against Chinese athletes isn't new, as China has faced doping allegations in the past.
However, in 2022, the World Anti-Doping Agency found that Chinese athletes outperformed most countries, including the U.S., in terms of negative doping results. In 2024, Chinese athletes were tested for doping 21 times. This raises the question: Why was American swimmer Michael Phelps celebrated globally when he broke records at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, even in China, while Chinese athletes are accused of cheating when they win? Are the Olympics reflecting today's geopolitics?
In her article “Beyond the Chinese Dreams,” Amber Zhang highlights how Chinese hurdler Wu Yanni captured attention with her smile, outgoing personality, and flamboyant style, saying, “I just want to be myself.” What was particularly striking at the Paris Olympics were the sports in which Chinese athletes reached the podium for the first time. Traditionally, China excels in ping pong, badminton, gymnastics, diving, and synchronized swimming, and they won many medals in these categories. But this time, young Chinese athletes also claimed victories in emerging sports like field hockey, tennis, BMX freestyle, beach volleyball, canoeing, breakdancing, and wall climbing. The youngest competitor ever at the Olympics, an 11-year-old Chinese skater, provided a glimpse into the changing preferences of Chinese youth who are pursuing their own passions and working hard to achieve their dreams.
One noticeable change was how these Chinese athletes expressed pride in their victories. Unlike in previous editions, where they typically displayed modesty in line with traditional Chinese values, they confidently spoke about winning not only for China but for themselves. Tennis player Zheng Qingwen, who won gold in women’s singles, was dubbed “Queen Wen” and embraced the title with pride. The Chinese athletes in Paris exhibited a different demeanor—brimming with self-confidence. They were celebrated on Chinese social media for being the best versions of themselves, not just for winning medals. Chinese people are now prioritizing their "own dreams" over the nation’s "Chinese Dream."
When Pan Zhanle was confronted with accusations from Western experts that his achievement was "not humanly possible," his calm and confident response summed up the spirit of Chinese Gen Z: "I don't pay attention to their doubts about me. It's their problem if they can't achieve it. If we [Chinese athletes] can do it, it proves that we are strong. We've been tested for doping so many times, and it's affected us. We are the cleanest and purest. That's how we won the championship." He added, "I think the Australian expert was right. It would be better if he said it more often, to mislead the Westerners so we can rise even higher." We have been warned!
This individualistic winning mentality reflects the rapid changes in Chinese society. China's Gen Z is a generation that balances traditional values with modern, global influences and a personal perspective. They are better educated, more self-confident, and more aware of the world and themselves than previous generations, which made China wealthy. They will make China smart, talented, and proud.