Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

TheMKsport Paris Olympics are in full swing, with Chinese athletes winning medals and bringing back good news. What particularly stands out is the exceptional performance of China's Generation Z (Gen Z) athletes, who not only excel in Olympic achievements but also embody the distinct charm of the new generation of Chinese youth through their confident and poised personalities. Their performances have presented the Western world with a more diverse, rich and multidimensional view of China.

From Huang Yuting and Sheng Lihao, who won the first Paris Olympics gold in 10m air rifle mixed team, to Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, who claimed the first gold medal in table tennis mixed doubles at this year's Olympics; from diving sensation Quan Hongchan's stunning "water splash disappearance technique," to Pan Zhanle breaking the world record in the men's 100m freestyle; from the impressive freestyle BMX rider Deng Yawen, to Zheng Qinwen, who Western media have exclaimed is shaking up the world of tennis - these Gen Z Olympic athletes have not only brought us thrilling moments in their competitions but also displayed their authenticity, composure, determination and confidence both on and off the field.

In China, the generation born between 1995 and 2009 is referred to as Gen Z. This cohort has grown up seamlessly integrated into the digital age, marked by their innate familiarity with digital technology and their strong embrace of the blending of traditional and modern cultures. At the Paris Olympics, the performances of Gen Z athletes not only exemplify the spirit of the new generation of Chinese youth, who defy categorization and boldly take the lead, but also challenge the singular Western-centric narrative about China with their open and confident demeanor. They have demystified Western culture with their vibrant youthful presence.

The Olympic Games women's singles tennis final at Roland-Garros court unfolded like a Chinese promotional spectacle, broadcast live globally for nearly two hours. Zheng's candid demeanor contrasted sharply with the Western stereotype of Chinese modesty and reserve. The International Tennis Federation hailed her as the "Qinwen Queen of Paris" on social media. Zheng herself said, she thinks she fully deserves the title "Queen."

After leading his swimming team to win the gold medal in the men's 4×100-meter medley relay, Pan consoled a teammate who felt unsatisfied with their performance that day, saying, "The game is over. We are the champions. It should be others who feel dissatisfied." These young Chinese of Gen Z stood in the Olympic spotlight, capturing the world's attention. 

Facing unfair treatment from Western media, they dared to ask: "Why not question American athletes?" When criticized by Western media, they let their performance do the talking. In a fit of anger, they broke the world record. They handled interviews with foreign media effortlessly. While they may sometimes be controversial, their genuine demeanor is endearing. They are both talented and hardworking, displaying self-discipline, ability, and personal charm.

With a strong educational foundation and relatively affluent material conditions compared to previous generations, Gen Zs are more at ease and resistant to labels. As digital natives, they are well-versed in the internet and unafraid to express emotions, demonstrate their individuality. They are also happy to share their lives through social media, displaying the confidence, openness, sincerity and approachable charm of the new era of Chinese athletes.

The strong national power and continuous cultural confidence enable these Gen Z young athletes to calmly break free from the shackles of "Western centrism," making it easier for them to construct a narrative style with a sense of autonomy. They remain vigilant and disdainful toward the deliberate topics set by the West. They reject labels. They rejoice in victory and accept defeat with equanimity. They truly care about enjoying the competition and experiencing the true spirit of sports.

Zheng is "the best soft power that China has," said the BBC. Not only Zheng, but the Chinese Gen Z athletes represented by Zheng, are approaching the world with a broad perspective and confident youthfulness. They represent China as a whole and adeptly integrate into the current global trends.

The author is a professor at the Political Science Institute of the China People's Liberation Army National Defence University. [email protected]