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The Chinese team in the women's 500m four-person kayak final at the Paris Olympics. [Photo/IC]

On Aug 8, Beijing time, the women's 500m four-person kayak final took place at the Paris Olympics. Representing China, Li Dongyin from Jiaxing, along with teammates Yin Mengdie, Wang Nan, and Sun Yuewen, finished fifth with a time of 1 minute and 33.57 seconds.

Three years ago, at the Tokyo Olympics, Li and her teammates finished sixth in the same event with a time of 1 minute and 38.121 seconds. This year, they surpassed their previous best, achieving a new milestone.

Back in Jiaxing, Li's parents, her first coach, and many friends and relatives gathered at the Jiaxing Sports School to watch the live broadcast.

"This is my daughter's second Olympic journey. Just making it to the finals is already a great achievement. Finishing fifth makes me incredibly proud!" said Li's mother, Yao Qiaozhen.

Born in 1995 in Jiaxing, Li was recognized by Miao Qinjuan, the coach of Jiaxing Youth Sports School in 2008, and was brought onto the city team to participate in special canoeing training. Li's coordination and explosive power stood out during basic testing, indicating her potential as a perfect fit for canoeing.

Li's perseverance and dedication have driven her forward. In 2014, she joined the national team and began representing China in international competitions. Her achievements include winning gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 and multiple gold medals in national and international competitions this year.