Chinese weightlifter Li Wenwen successfully defended her title in the women's +81kg category at the Paris Olympics on Sunday. This victory marks the 40th gold medal for the Chinese sports delegation at the current Olympics, surpassing the gold medal count from the London Games and setting a new record for the best performance at an overseas Olympics.

Team China's weightlifter Li Wenwen competes in the women's +81kg weightlifting event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the South Paris Arena in Paris, France, on August 11, 2024. Li claimed the women's +81kg title on the last day of the Paris Olympics on Sunday in the South Paris Arena. It marks China's 40th gold medal in Paris, the country's best result at an overseas Olympic Games. Photo: VCG

At the Paris Olympics, the Chinese sports delegation secured 40 gold medals, equal to the US, 27 silver medals, and 24 bronze medals, bringing their total medal count to 91.

The Chinese team made historic breakthroughs in various events, including the men's 100m freestyle, women's tennis singles, rhythmic gymnastics team, synchronized swimming, and women's boxing. The team also swept all the gold medals in table tennis and diving. 

Among these achievements, Pan Zhanle won the gold medal in the men's 100m freestyle, breaking the world record in the process.

Zheng Qinwen secured the gold medal in women's tennis singles, marking the first time a Chinese athlete has won gold in this event in Olympic history. "I have always believed in the passing of the torch. If today's victory can inspire more children to pursue their tennis dreams, then all the hard work is worth it. I hope that 10 or 20 years from now, you can stand on this stage as well," Zheng said.

In the women's table tennis team final, the Chinese team, consisting of Chen Meng, Sun Yingsha, and Wang Manyu, defeated Japan to win the gold medal, achieving a five-time Olympic gold streak. This also marks the 300th gold medal for China in the Summer Olympics.

"From 1984 to 2024, from Xu Haifeng to today's female table tennis team, forty years have passed in a blink of an eye alongside the rise of China. In the process, countless sports heroes have emerged," sports commentator Deng Bowen told the Global Times.

Deng noted that from China's perspective, this reflects the vigorous development of Chinese sports and the athletes' hard work.

"For many years, China has been increasing investment in sports, nurturing numerous outstanding athletes who have showcased superb skills and tenacity in international competitions like the Olympics," Deng added.