Jiaxing athletes ready to shine in Paris Olympics
The Chinese sports delegation for the Paris Olympics was announced on July 13, featuring 716 members, including 405 athletes (136 men and 269 women). They will compete in 30 major events, 42 sub-events, and 236 minor events, surpassing participation levels at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Three athletes from Jiaxing are among those who have been selected: canoeist Li Dongyin, rowing coach Cao Mianying, and weightlifting coach Shao Guoqiang.
Li, now 29, began her canoeing career at 13. Her coach praised her rapid progress and dedication. Li joined the Zhejiang provincial team in 2010 and the national team in 2014. In 2023, she achieved significant milestones, including winning the women's 500m four-person kayak at the Canoe Sprint World Cup in Hungary and securing fourth place at the World Championships in Germany, earning a spot in the Paris Olympics.
Cao, born in 1967, is a former world champion and one of China's most experienced rowing coaches. She led the Chinese rowing team to a historic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Paris will be her sixth Olympics as a coach, and she aims to lead her team to Olympic gold.
Shao, a veteran weightlifting coach, has guided athletes like Li Fabin and Shi Zhiyong to Olympic success. Despite being past retirement age, he continues to coach and aims to achieve more victories in Paris.
The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to Aug 11.