Historic moments, remarkable achievements【OKAS-099】ママと一緒にお風呂に入ろう 2, and true spirit of the Olympics have left marks in the first week of Paris 2024. 

by sportswriter Li Chunyu

PARIS, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- As the first week of the Paris 2024 Olympics came to a close, the French capital has already witnessed historic moments and remarkable achievements that will be remembered for generations.

The opening ceremony, a first-ever waterborne spectacle on the River Seine, set the stage for a series of captivating competitions and emotional victories.

Beyond the competitions, the true spirit of the Olympics has shone through in the stories of resilience and camaraderie that have unfolded across various venues.

TRADITION

Forty years ago in Los Angeles, Xu Haifeng triumphed in the men's free pistol event to claim China's first ever Olympic gold, inspiring Chinese athletes to chase their dreams on the Olympic stage.

At Paris 2024, the legacy continued with China's teenage shooters Huang Yuting and Sheng Lihao clinching the Games' first gold medal in the mixed 10m air rifle event, echoing Xu's historic feat.

The 19-year-old Sheng further demonstrated his prowess by seizing gold in the men's 10m air rifle. His teammate Liu Yukun won the 50m rifle three positions title, while Xie Yu triumphed in the men's 10m air pistol. These victories highlight the strength and depth of China's shooting team.

Meanwhile, Chinese divers and paddlers remain on course to achieve a clean sweep of Olympic titles in Paris. They have already secured victories in the men's synchronized 10m platform and table tennis mixed doubles, events in which they fell short in the last edition of the Games.

South Korea continued its dominance in archery, winning its 10th straight Olympic gold in the women's team event and retaining the men's team title.

In gymnastics, Japan rallied to win its eighth Olympic title in the men's team event, showcasing their enduring excellence in the sport.

American star Simone Biles, who won the women's all-around gold at Rio 2016 but withdrew from the event in Tokyo, made a triumphant return at Paris 2024, reclaiming the crown and solidifying her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

NEW CHAPTER

The iconic Roland Garros saw Chinese tennis players create history, as Zheng Qinwen upset world No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland and Angelique Kerber of Germany en route to clinching the women's singles gold. It's only China's second ever tennis gold after Li Ting and Sun Tiantian's women's doubles triumph at Athens 2004.

"I am so happy that I can make this history for Chinese tennis. I've always wanted to be one of the athletes who can get a medal for China, for our country, and right now I'm one of them," said the 21-year-old Zheng, who has idolized two-time Grand Slam winner Li Na since childhood. Li finished fourth in the women's singles at Beijing 2008.

A day before Zheng's victory, Wang Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen grabbed a mixed doubles silver medal for China, the country's best result in this event.

At La Defense Arena, Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle, 19, led all the way to win the men's 100m freestyle title in 46.40 seconds, beating his own world record of 46.80 set at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha.

Chinese youth also excelled in emerging sports. Deng Yawen, 18, claimed China's first BMX Olympic gold in the women's park. "I prepared for the event at my own pace, and I chose the tricks that I was sure of to gain a good spot. If you do every move well, your final score can't be bad," said Deng.

To the delight of home fans, French swimmer Leon Marchand has emerged as the brightest star of these Games so far. On Wednesday, the 22-year-old became the first swimmer to win both the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke gold medals at the same Games, despite having only two hours between both finals. He also won the 200m and 400m individual medley events, becoming the fourth swimmer in history to secure four individual golds in a single Olympics.

"I am using all the energy from the stadium, so I swim as fast as possible in every race. I have accomplished many dreams since I have been here, sharing an incredible moment with everyone," said Marchand.

STRONG BONDS

The 60th and potentially last-ever clash between legendary tennis players Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Spain's Rafael Nadal took place earlier than expected in the second round of men's singles at Paris 2024.

Nadal, 14-time French Open winner, was warmly greeted by local fans. "I feel very well-supported and loved at the most important place [Roland Garros] of my career. I just try my best every single day and enjoy what I have been enjoying for so much time," said the 38-year-old. At this very moment, the result itself is no longer that important.

After Nadal losing in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, the veterans displayed their affection for tennis and respect for each other.

"I wish him [Nadal] the best. I think he is obviously one of the most important figures in our sport and sport in general. The more he plays, I think the more tennis wins," the 37-year-old Djokovic noted.

Friday's badminton court was filled with sweet love. Chinese badminton player Huang Yaqiong, who was just crowned in the mixed doubles, was proposed by her teammate and boyfriend Liu Yuchen. She received the engagement ring, and they smiled, hugged with tears, and celebrated this important occasion in their lives in this romantic city.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, anticipation builds for more thrilling performances on the purple track at the Stade de France and the debut of breaking【OKAS-099】ママと一緒にお風呂に入ろう 2, promising more unforgettable moments in this city.  ■