As the 2024 Paris Olympics draws to a close, the Olympic Phryge mascot, with its bright eyes and warm smile, has captured the hearts of spectators worldwide. Data from the Paris Olympics Organizing Committee shows that 80% of the Phryges are manufactured in China, with Quanzhou Nanyang Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. serving as a key producer.
“Phryge is known for its unique standing posture, with slender legs supporting a large body, presenting a significant challenge in the production process,” said Jiang Lingyan, senior sales manager of the company. To address potential bumps and impacts during international long-distance transport, the design team innovatively combined two types of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. “The legs are reinforced with rigid PVC, and the eyelashes are made from soft PVC to maintain the mascot’s unique look,” explained Jiang.
Advanced technologies played a crucial role in the development of the mascots. “We utilized 3D modeling and printing techniques during the sample design and production process to ensure precision in every detail,” said Jiang. To give each Phryge its vivid and expressive eyes, the company meticulously controlled the distribution of ink and pressure during manufacturing.
After numerous trials and improvements, the sample made six round trips between China and France over nine months before the Olympics opened. Nanyang Arts & Crafts was commissioned to produce seven types of resin figurines and two types of keychains in various sizes and designs, totaling 200,000 pieces.
Comfortable sportswear is essential for athletes striving for excellence. China’s sportswear brand PEAK cooperated with the Olympic committees of 11 countries to offer sportswear and suits for athletes. “By working with these Olympic committees, we showcase China’s high-quality products, along with our unique understanding and innovative capabilities in sports equipment,” said Xu Jingnan, chairman of the board at PEAK.
ANTA, another Chinese sportswear manufacturer, provided Chinese athletes with team uniforms for medal ceremonies. These uniforms are made from eco-friendly materials, such as recycled nylon and recycled polyester, achieving a carbon reduction of over 50%. “To make customized shoes for athletes, we set up a laboratory that has three tracks to simulate different running environments. Technologies including foot scanners and a 3D motion capture system are employed,” said Zheng Zhiyi, chief scientist of ANTA Sports Science Lab.
Beyond the stadiums, Chinese innovation continued to shine. Drones shifted positions in the sky to form various shapes, including that of an Olympic torchbearer. Over 50 LED screens shipped from China were deployed around Paris to offer livestreaming services for spectators. These advanced technological products were all developed and manufactured in China.
“We not only provide green LED display solutions but also showcase the company’s technological innovation and commitment to exploring new advancements,” said Zhao Kai, vice president of the LED screen provider Absen. According to Zhao, the screens are notable for their high stability and energy efficiency. It is estimated that an outdoor LED screen covering an area of 2,000 square meters can cut energy consumption by 20% compared to traditional screens.
From mascots to sportswear to cutting-edge technology, China’s high-tech innovations have added a unique sparkle to the 2024 Paris Olympics, reflecting the country’s growing influence and commitment to excellence on the global stage.
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China's high-tech innovations sparkle at 2024 Paris Olympics
cgtn.com
