Sportsmanship shines brighter with openness and confidence

China concluded its Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics chapter with five gold, four silver and six bronze medals, its best ever Winter Olympics performance overseas, surpassing the 5-2-4 record it created in Vancouver in 2010.

This accomplishment is a testament to the growing strength, maturity and determination of Chinese athletes on the global stage at a time when China continues to establish itself as a formidable force in the world of sports. Chinese athletes have learned to handle setbacks with grace, using each experience as a stepping stone toward future successes. This resilience and ability to remain unshaken in the face of initial failures are rooted in a deep-seated belief in their capabilities and unwavering commitment to excellence.

After unsuccessful attempts to win gold in short track speed skating on ice, and women’s and men’s freeski big air on snow, China finally secured a gold medal on the 13th day of the competition, with snowboarding sensation Su Yiming winning in the men’s slopestyle.

Both Su and Gu Ailing, who ended China’s gold chase with victory in women’s halfpipe on Sunday, came to stand on the highest podium after unsuccessful attempts at first. Su had missed his second big air Olympic gold for a bronze, while Gu claimed two silvers in women’s slopestyle and big air before defending her halfpipe title.

After failing to defend her Olympic title in big air, Gu had said: “Letting the world see that I dare to compete is already my gold medal.” After settling for a bronze in the men’s big air event, Su had said: “I am truly proud of myself for winning this bronze medal ... The effort we put in is not just for competitive results. It’s more important to showcase the charm of snowboarding to the world, inspire more people, and share the ‘love’ among riders and between nations.”

Clearly, Chinese athletes have moved on from a “gold medal only” mindset. They understand that while medals are significant, the invaluable lessons learned and personal growth in the pursuit of excellence are the biggest rewards. This clarity also prepares them for future challenges with greater assurance.

One of the notable and admirable qualities exhibited by Chinese athletes in recent years is their ability to smile under pressure. This smile reflects their passion for sports and their relentless pursuit of dreams.

Simultaneously, the perspective of Chinese spectators, too, has evolved. They no longer focus solely on the gold medal tally but also athletes’ dedication, perseverance and sportsmanship. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of the intrinsic value of sports and a greater appreciation for the athletes’ personal and professional growth.

As China is trying to transit from a major sports nation to a sports superpower, this newfound confidence is the most treasured asset. It is supported by the solid foundation of China’s comprehensive national strength and deeply rooted in the rich soil of Chinese sportsmanship.

This confidence showcases the sunny disposition of the new generation of Chinese youth, who engage with the world with open minds and hearts. They are no longer content with past achievements; they are instead eager to face future challenges with an open mind and inclusive attitude. This openness and confidence allow Chinese sports to shine brightly on the international stage and foster greater global appreciation and understanding of Chinese sports culture.