Tokyo Olympics: China’s obsession for gold reaping rewards but netizens argue that national pride goes beyond medals
- Though China has experienced both highs and lows at the Tokyo Games, some netizens are rushing to defend athletes from a flood of hate
- Be it injuries or failing to perform, those who did not win medals should still be celebrated in the spirit of sport, they argue
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A week before the Games, Gou Zhongwen, director of China’s sports administration and head of the Chinese delegation, left no doubt about the country’s goals after unveiling its largest-ever overseas Olympic delegation.
“First, to resolutely curb the continuous decline of China’s Olympic performance for many years. The second is to ensure China remains on top in terms of gold on the medal table,” Gou said.
In Beijing 2008, the hosts topped the gold medal tally for the first time, achieving its largest haul of 48 – with the United States second on 36.
London 2012, however, was a let-down as China slipped to second with 38 golds. Rio 2016 was an even bigger disappointment, with China coming third on 26 behind the USA (46) and Great Britain (27).
