Illustration: Liu Xiangya

Chinese mainland Olympians are currently visiting Macao right after their Hong Kong visit, participating in various activities, sharing their experiences and teaching local youths. 

By strengthening the bond between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, the visits are not merely a sports tour but a cultural exchange, an emotional connection, and a demonstration of unity, highlighting the inspirational power of sports in building community and national pride.

Through interactions with local citizens, mainland athletes are showcasing the spirit of perseverance, determination and patriotism. This was evident in their sharing of personal stories about their Olympic journeys, which have resonated deeply with locals. 

The athletes' stories of triumph, such as female race walker Yang Jiayu's courageous decision to break away from the pack to secure a gold medal, provided a powerful narrative of individual commitment to national honor, which echoed the shared values of dedication and hard work that are cherished across China.

By bringing the spirit of the Olympics to Hong Kong and Macao, these mainland athletes are acting as cultural ambassadors, demonstrating that the sporting achievements of the Chinese mainland are not just national victories, but also shared accomplishments that the local citizens can take pride in. 

The visits to the two special administrative regions underline a message of inclusivity and collective identity, suggesting that success in sports, much like success in any other field, is a collective endeavor that benefits from the contributions and support of all Chinese people.

One of the most impactful aspects of the Olympians' visits is their engagement with young people in Hong Kong. The interactions between the athletes and the youths have been marked by a palpable enthusiasm and mutual admiration. 

The athletes are sharing not just their skills, but also their stories of perseverance and hard work. Swimmer Zhang Yufei, for instance, spoke about feeling at home in Hong Kong and emphasized her role as a bridge between mainland and Hong Kong athletes. Her words, "It feels like coming home," were not just a reflection of her personal sentiment but also an invitation to the youths of Hong Kong to see themselves as an integral part of a larger community.

The visit also highlights the emergence of a new generation of mainland athletes, many of whom were born after 2000 and have already begun to make their mark on the world stage. Their optimism, confidence, and approachability make them relatable figures for young people in Hong Kong and Macao. 

Through their interactions, they are inspiring local youths to pursue their passions with vigor and to see failure not as a setback but as a stepping stone to future success. Diving sensation Quan Hongchan's advice to "chase your dreams without fear of failure" encapsulated this message and was warmly received by the young people present.

The athletes' visits are also a testament to the emotional ties between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. For many Hong Kong and Macao residents, seeing their Olympic heroes up close was a powerful reminder of the common cultural root and shared aspirations that bind them to the mainland. 

The enthusiastic reception for the athletes, the quick sell-out of event tickets, and the warm applause at every venue underscores the deep admiration and respect that Hong Kong and Macao citizens have for these athletes. 

The Olympians, in turn, have reciprocated this warmth by engaging wholeheartedly with the crowd, participating in light-hearted competitions, and even sharing some of their hidden talents in music and dance.

Moreover, this visit provides an opportunity for local citizens to express their own aspirations and to engage directly with the Chinese mainland in a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose. This mutual exchange has not been one-sided; it has been an interaction characterized by respect, admiration, and a genuine desire to connect and learn from each other.

The presence of Chinese mainland Olympians in Hong Kong and Macao can also reinforce a sense of national pride. The athletes' stories of dedication and their commitment to representing the motherland on the world stage have struck a chord with many in Hong Kong and Macao. It reminds them of the larger national narrative of striving for excellence and achieving greatness through hard work and perseverance. 

The athletes' visits are a powerful affirmation of the idea that sports can be a unifying force, capable of bringing people together and inspiring a collective sense of pride and belonging.

By engaging directly with the people of Hong Kong and Macao, the mainland athletes are demonstrating that the spirit of the Olympics is not confined to stadiums and arenas, but extends to the broader community. 

The visit has not only strengthened emotional and cultural ties, but also laid the groundwork for a more connected and harmonious future, where sports continue to be a powerful force for good.

The mainland Olympians' presence in Hong Kong and Macao is a living embodiment of the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence, which are universal values that resonate deeply across different cultures and societies.

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