The Paris Olympics have once again underscored the profound values of sportsmanship and respect that lie at the heart of the Olympic spirit as the recent actions of Chinese athletes have highlighted how these ideals transcend mere competition, showcasing how athletes from around the world can come together in unity and support.      

Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

Take Chinese badminton player He Bingjiao's display of sportsmanship following her silver medal victory in the women's singles finals as a prime example. During the awards ceremony, He held a pin in her hand featuring Spain in honor of Carolina Marin, He's opponent in the women's single badminton semifinal. Marin, a highly esteemed competitor from Spain, had to withdraw from the semifinals due to an injury despite leading in the match. 

He explained at a post-match press conference that the pin she carried at the awards ceremony was the Spanish team logo from the Spanish Badminton Association, and that she hoped to bring the spirit of Marin to the final match. Her gesture and her heartfelt wishes for Marin's speedy recovery resonated deeply with viewers. 

Spanish media, including Relevo and Cope, lauded He for her kindness and respect, demonstrating that true sportsmanship extends beyond the court and into acts of empathy and solidarity. 

The Spanish Olympic Committee also thanked He in a post on X, writing "xiexie" (thank you) in Chinese characters at the end of the post to express their sincere feelings. 

He then gained more fans for herself as being noted to be an "example of Olympism." Netizens from both China and Spain have also shown gratitude toward each other online, saying that "you can earn more respect when you give some." 

As a silver medalist, even though He may not have wowed everyone with her performance in the finals, she won the hearts of millions with a fine display of sportsmanship as she stood on the podium.

He's act wasn't an isolated instance. The Paris Olympics have been rich with such moments in which Chinese athletes have built connections with athletes from other countries while showing mutual respect. 

In the mixed doubles table tennis awarding ceremony, Chinese woman table tennis player Sun Yingsha directed an impromptu group photo with North Korean silver medalists Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong, as well as South Korean bronze medalists Shin Yu-bin and Lim Jong-hoon, celebrating their shared passion for the sport.  

On the trampoline, Chinese athletes Wang Zisai and Yan Langyu, winning silver and bronze medals respectively in the finals, also embraced and encouraged Belarusian competitor Ivan Litvinovich, who was unable to represent his own country despite winning a gold medal, highlighting the universal bonds that unite athletes regardless of their national affiliations.

Not only have Chinese athletes showcased the Olympic spirit of friendship and mutual assistance, they have also fully demonstrated their generosity, inclusiveness, and magnanimity. 

Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle and Australian swimmer Kyle Chalmers encountered a moment of misunderstanding that was beautifully resolved by appreciation between the two competitors. 

On the first day of men's 100 meters freestyle swimming competition, Chalmers did not acknowledge Pan's greeting while they were in the waiting section, which Pan thought was on purpose.

Following the competition after Pan won the gold medal while also breaking the world record for the men's 100 meters freestyle, Chalmers took the initiative to apologize via a private message to Pan. Pan shared his appreciation by subsequently exchanging swim caps with Chalmers. They also exchanged contact information. Pan said he is looking forward to showing Chalmers around Shanghai, the first stop of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup 2024 in October after the Olympics.

Pan's act symbolized Chinese athlete's magnanimity toward misunderstandings while inspiring other international swimmers to engage more warmly with their Chinese peers, further promoting a spirit of camaraderie.

These instances reinforce the core values of the Olympic Games: That the true essence of competition is not only about winning medals but also about fostering relationships and demonstrating respect for one another. 

The Games remind us that we are all part of the same world, sharing a common dream and standing together on the same stage. This is the true meaning of the Olympic spirit - celebrating unity, respect, and friendship that extend beyond the confines of sports.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn