In recent months China is immersed in a joyous and proud mood, because our athletes have won great glory in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, taking 32 gold medals home and topped all other times in history. They have not only collected abundant medals in traditionally advantageous games, but also made significant breakthrough in those that were seen as weak ones. Two facts are reflected by this great success.

Firstly, it shows the miraculous increase of China’s national power. No gold medal is won free. The country must invest a lot to build sports facilities, to train athletes and to enroll them into international tournaments. In the past when China is in poverty, we really had had a hard time affording sports facilities and supporting adequate athletes, largely hindering their performance on the fields. Now that the economy turns out to be much better and it naturally boosts medals in the stadium.

Secondly, it illustrates the aspiring spirit of modern Chinese people. Decades of years ago, Chinese of that time have been humiliated as 'East-Asian sick men' for their weak body and weary spirit. Nonetheless, the 21st century Chinese have impressed the world totally differently. In every field, Chinese athletes compete diligently over each medal, regardless of what the result may be. Their efforts have either won prizes or gained respect from the whole world. giant has risen from the East Asian horizon. He is more than a giant in sports.

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