Olympians from the Chinese mainland captivated audiences in the Macao Special Administrative Region on Sunday night during a gala held as part of their three-day visit to the region in south China.
With the theme “Our Pride,” the gala comprised three segments: “Surpass Your Dream,” “Break the Limit,” and “Build Your Future Dream.” The athletes not only showcased their talents on stage but also shared personal stories that resonated with the audience.
“I wasn’t fighting alone because our great country had my back,” said Pan Zhanle, gold medalist swimmer at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. “My gold medal is a gift to our country.”
Li Hong, a player from the Chinese women’s hockey team, recounted a memorable experience: “We finished the final with a draw in regular time. Though we lost in the penalty shootout, we received applause from the opponents’ supporters when we traveled around the stadium wearing the Chinese national flags. That’s when I realized that we had gained respect after displaying the spirit of Chinese athletes.”
Champion paddler Sun Yingsha emphasized the importance of teamwork: “I think the mixed doubles event requires good coordination and communication. We needed to adapt ourselves quickly to the changes in every game. I was happy that Wang Chuqin and I could win the event in Paris. I want to thank you for your support.”
Ma Long, captain of the Chinese table tennis team, shared a lighter moment: “Eating good food in Macao helped a lot to release my pressure.” He recommended pineapple buns to visitors.
The gala featured a series of entertaining programs. In one segment, table tennis players and badminton players swapped equipment to compete in a playful contest of hitting cups on a table. Another highlight was a match where table tennis players competed on a table that moved unpredictably, adding an extra layer of challenge and fun.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com