42 Olympic champions lead Chinese delegation to Paris Olympics-Xinhua

42 Olympic champions lead Chinese delegation to Paris Olympics

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2024-07-13 14:34:30

Ma Long, Liang Jingkun and Wang Chuqin (from L to R) of the Chinese delegation for Paris 2024 Olympic Games are seen before the inaugural meeting in Beijing, capital of China, on July 13, 2024. China will send 405 athletes, including 42 Olympic champions, to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games as a 716-member delegation was officially announced here on Saturday. The delegation includes 136 male and 269 female athletes, competing in 30 sports at the Games to be officially opened on July 26. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- China will send 405 athletes, including 42 Olympic champions, to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, as a 716-member delegation was officially announced here on Saturday.

136 male and 269 female athletes will compete in 236 events across 30 sports at the July 26-August 11 Games.

Gao Zhidan, head of the Chinese Olympic delegation, called on these Paris-bound athletes to "strive for athletic success and show good sportsmanship" at the delegation's launch ceremony.

A total of 223 Chinese athletes will make their Olympic debut in Paris, while women's shot put Olympic champion Gong Lijiao, Olympic champion race walker Liu Hong and three-time Asian Games champion Li Ling are set to go for their fifth Olympic Games.

Eleven-year-old skateboarder Zheng Haohao is the youngest Chinese and Liu Hong, 37, is the oldest competitor.

China's diving squad, which has already won 47 Olympic gold medals since 1984, aims to sweep all eight golds on offer this time.

"I feel I am in good shape now, and I am more experienced and mature than three years ago," said Olympic champion Wang Zongyuan.

"I am honored to represent our country. I hope every athlete of the delegation can do their best."

Teng Haibin, coach of the men's gymnastics team, vowed to improve on their performance from three years ago.

Around 10,500 athletes from more than 200 countries and regions are expected to take part in the Paris Olympics from July 26 to August 11.

China finished second behind the United States in the medal table with 38 golds, 32 silvers and 19 bronzes.

Wang Yidi, Wang Manyu, Chen Meng and Sun Yingsha (from L to R) of the Chinese delegation for Paris 2024 Olympic Games are seen before the inaugural meeting in Beijing, capital of China, on July 13, 2024. China will send 405 athletes, including 42 Olympic champions, to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games as a 716-member delegation was officially announced here on Saturday. The delegation includes 136 male and 269 female athletes, competing in 30 sports at the Games to be officially opened on July 26. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

Fan Zhendong of the Chinese delegation for Paris 2024 Olympic Games is seen before the inaugural meeting in Beijing, capital of China, on July 13, 2024. China will send 405 athletes, including 42 Olympic champions, to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games as a 716-member delegation was officially announced here on Saturday. The delegation includes 136 male and 269 female athletes, competing in 30 sports at the Games to be officially opened on July 26. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

This photo taken on July 13, 2024 shows a general view at the inaugural meeting of the Chinese delegation for Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Beijing, capital of China. China will send 405 athletes, including 42 Olympic champions, to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games as a 716-member delegation was officially announced here on Saturday. The delegation includes 136 male and 269 female athletes, competing in 30 sports at the Games to be officially opened on July 26. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

Li Yueru (C) and Yao Ming (R) of the Chinese delegation for Paris 2024 Olympic Games are seen before the inaugural meeting in Beijing, capital of China, on July 13, 2024. China will send 405 athletes, including 42 Olympic champions, to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games as a 716-member delegation was officially announced here on Saturday. The delegation includes 136 male and 269 female athletes, competing in 30 sports at the Games to be officially opened on July 26. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

This photo taken on July 13, 2024 shows a general view at the inaugural meeting of the Chinese delegation for Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Beijing, capital of China. China will send 405 athletes, including 42 Olympic champions, to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games as a 716-member delegation was officially announced here on Saturday. The delegation includes 136 male and 269 female athletes, competing in 30 sports at the Games to be officially opened on July 26. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

This photo taken on July 13, 2024 shows a general view at the inaugural meeting of the Chinese delegation for Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Beijing, capital of China. China will send 405 athletes, including 42 Olympic champions, to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games as a 716-member delegation was officially announced here on Saturday. The delegation includes 136 male and 269 female athletes, competing in 30 sports at the Games to be officially opened on July 26. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)