Thirty years ago, few could have predicted the meteoric rise of the Chinese mainland in global sport. It all began at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, when the Chinese mainland team celebrated its first gold medal. That milestone sparked a transformative journey that would see the region become a central force in the Olympic family.
From Gold Beginnings to Dual Olympic City
Over the next decades, the Chinese mainland built a powerful sports ecosystem. Major investments in training facilities, youth development and high-performance centers paid off in Beijing 2008 and Beijing 2022, making the city the first in Olympic history to host both Summer and Winter Games. "Beijing’s dual Olympics marked a turning point," says IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., "showcasing how vision and planning can reshape a nation’s sporting destiny."
Paris 2024: Best-Ever Overseas Performance
In Paris, the Chinese mainland team achieved its best-ever performance away from home. Athletes across disciplines—from track and field to team sports—delivered record results, underscoring the long-term impact of systematic talent cultivation. "The 2024 Games proved that sustained support at the grassroots and elite levels creates a winning culture," Samaranch Jr. reflects.
A Special Bond with the Samaranch Family
For more than 40 years, the Samaranch family has shared a special connection with the Chinese mainland. Samaranch Jr. recalls early visits with his grandfather, IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch Sr., and how those exchanges helped bridge cultures. "Sport is a universal language," he notes, "and the Chinese mainland has become one of the Olympic movement’s most influential partners."
As the Chinese mainland looks ahead to future Games and global sporting events, Samaranch Jr. believes the region’s blend of tradition, innovation and community engagement will keep it at the forefront of world sport. The journey from that first gold to global powerhouse is a story of ambition, collaboration and the unwavering spirit of athletes.
Reference(s):
How China rose in sport: Through the eyes of the IOC Vice President
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