Pan Zhanle (left), Zheng Siwei (middle) and Xu Jiayu (right) at the Wenzhou Sports School. [Photo/wzrb.com.cn]
Eight Olympians from Wenzhou made a triumphant return home on Aug 26, marking their first collective appearance in the city since the conclusion of the Paris Olympics.
The athletes — Pan Zhanle, Xu Jiayu, Zheng Siwei, Liu Yaxin, Luo Huan, Dai Qianqian, Huang Jingye, and Wen Zaidong — achieved outstanding results, winning three gold, two silver, and one bronze medal, along with two fourth-place and one sixth-place finish. They also set one world record and broke two Asian records, giving the best performance by Wenzhou athletes in Olympic history.
At the Wenzhou Sports School's swimming pool entrance, the Olympians signed autographs for the enthusiastic crowd.
The swimming pool was packed with young athletes who had been waiting eagerly. Pan, Xu, and Liu were surrounded by fans, making it difficult to move. Coach Wang Shi pointed to a young swimmer and told Pan, "This little guy says he wants to surpass you one day." Pan smiled and replied, "I'll remember you."
When asked to encourage the young athletes, Pan said, "It's great to have goals and strive for them." Xu added, "We were once like them, dreaming big. I hope they continue the positive spirit of Wenzhou swimming and keep pushing towards their dreams."
