Gen Z Dominates Paris 2024: China’s Young Athletes Make Olympic History

As the Olympic flame dimmed over Paris, China’s post-2000s athletes stole the global spotlight , clinching 40 gold medals and redefining what’s possible for a new generation. From gravity-defying skateboarders to precision-driven climbers, these young stars turned the Paris 2024 Games into a stage for youthful ambition and grit.

IOC President Thomas Bach dubbed the event 'Seine-sational'—and Team China lived up to the hype. Their 91-medal haul wasn’t just about numbers; it showcased a cultural shift as Gen Z athletes dominated emerging sports like breaking and surfing , blending tradition with cutting-edge flair.

'We’re not just athletes—we’re storytellers,' said 19-year-old gymnast Li Xia, whose viral floor routine fused martial arts with K-pop beats. Meanwhile, swimmer Zhang Wei, 22, smashed a decade-old world record, proving China’s youth are ready to make waves .

Off the podium, TikTok clips of these Olympians training to viral remixes and sharing behind-the-scenes humor drew millions, bridging sports and digital culture. As one fan tweeted: 'They’ve got gold medals *and* vibes.'

Paris 2024 may be over, but China’s Gen Z athletes are just warming up.

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Under the glow of Olympics: An ode to China's youth

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