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Lo Hoi-ying

Chinese netizens were praising swim champion Pan Zhanle for his “high EQ” after he refused to sign a China flag handed to him by a fan.
Pan was greeting members of the audience after his historic win in the men’s 100 metres freestyle on Thursday, when a young fan handed him a flag, asking for his signature.
“I can’t sign the flag,” Pan responded, but offered to take a selfie instead.

"No, kid, I can't sign my name on our national flag! Let's take a selfie."
Pan Zhanle, who just got an Olympic gold medal, refused a kid but gained the respect from all Chinese people.#China #Olympics #Swimming pic.twitter.com/d3Ba75F3mF
— ShanghaiPanda (@thinking_panda) August 1, 2024

Defacing the flag is seen as disrespectful, and publicly or intentionally damaging or tarnishing China’s national flag could constitute as a criminal offence.
Chinese netizens praised Pan for his quick response despite having just come out of a race.
“This is the upbringing of a champion! Pan refused to sign on the Chinese flag,” one Weibo user noted.
“Nowadays, public figures have to be cautious. A tiny mistake could form a bad impression. This is common sense, I’m sure his coach has reminded him,” another commented.
“I noticed a rising trend. The new generation of Chinese athletes are not only good at their sport, but have better cultural literacy and high EQ. This is a great phenomenon,” one said.

Pan Zhanle just became the first Chinese swimmer to win gold in the 100 meters freestyle along with setting a new world record (46.40).
The Chinese commentators were quite excited! pic.twitter.com/7zP7MIrjx5
— Orikron 🇵🇹 (@orikron) July 31, 2024

The 19-year-old claimed gold in Paris by shattering his own world record with a 46.40-second swim, faster than his previous best of 46.80, set in February. He finished more than a second ahead of the field.
After clinching gold, Pan called out the poor treatment his team had received, primarily from Australia’s Kyle Chalmers, who took silver, and United States’ Jack Alexey, who finished seventh.
Australian Brett Hawke, Chalmer’s coach, suggested the record-winning swim “was not humanly possible.”
Pan was also questioned about doping during his post-race interview, and said he had not failed any of the 50 tests taken in the past year.
Doping has been a hot topic surrounding Chinese athletes given the revelation earlier this year that 23 swimmers had failed tests before the Tokyo Olympic, but were cleared by the World Anti-Doping Association to compete.


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Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Pan Zhanle won’t sign fan’s China flag – Paris Olympics star praised for EQ after gesture

China’s gold medallist Pan Zhanle takes a selfie with fans after stunning victory in the 100 metres freestyle. Photo: AP

Pan Zhanle: Paris Olympics record-breaking swimmer who stands up to US, Australian rivals

China’s Pan Zhanle clutches his gold medal on the podium in Paris. Photo: dpa

Pan Zhanle warms up before the race in which he broke the world record at the La Defense Arena. Photo: AFP

Pan Zhanle celebrates his victory and world record in the Olympic 100m freestyle final. Photo: Xinhua

Pan Zhanle’s Olympic gold medal win ‘not humanly possible’, Australian coach says

China’s Pan Zhanle (centre) won the gold medal in the 100m freestyle but the coach of Australia’s Kyle Chalmers (left) expressed suspicion. Photo: Reuters

Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle stormed to victory in record-breaking fashion in the 100-metre freestyle. Photo: Reuters

Pan Zhanle slams ‘disrespectful’ rivals, while Chinese fans lash out at ‘arrogant Westerners’

China’s Pan Zhanle said his handshake attempt (left) was snubbed by Australian rival Kyle Chalmers.

Gold medallist Pan Zhanle (centre) on the podium with Australia’s Kyle Chalmers (left), who won silver, and Romania’s David Popovici. Photo: Reuters

While you were sleeping: 5 things to know after Pan gold, Haughey bronze at Paris Olympics

China’s Pan Zhanle raises a fist after breaking the world record on his way to gold. Photo: AFP

Winner Sarah Sjostrom (centre) is applauded on to the podium by Siobhan Haughey (right). Photo: AP

Rafael Nadal (left) and Carlos Alcaraz manage a smile despite their doubles quarter-final loss. Photo: AFP

Tse Ying-suet takes a tumble as she and Tang Chun-man crashed out of the Games. Photo: AFP

Pan Zhanle of China displays his medal during the ceremony for the men’s 100m freestyle. Photo: Xinhua

Paris Olympics: after Cheung, Italy’s authorities target Imane Khelif as boxer quits fight

Algeria’s Imane Khelif (right) after her victory over Angela Carini (left), which sparked more anger in Italy. Photo: AP

Sport

Paris Olympics 2024

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China

Aquatics

Pan was greeting fans after his historic win in the men’s 100m freestyle, when a young fan in the audience asked for his signature.


Pan was greeting fans after his historic win in the men’s 100m freestyle on Thursday, when a young fan in the audience handed him a Chinese flag, asking for his signature.


Swimming

Doping in sport