Chongqing - With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games less than ten days away, Zheng Jianbing from Chongqing has arrived in Paris, ready to embark on his seventh Olympic broadcasting journey.

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Zheng Jianbing poses in front of the Bird's Nest, marking his first time participating in Olympic broadcasting. (Photo/Zheng Jianbing)

Key figure in Olympic broadcasting

A spectacular game needs a dedicated broadcasting team to capture every moment. The broadcast crew ensures every frame and sound is perfectly delivered to viewers worldwide, acting as unsung heroes who bring the Olympics' passion and excitement to global audiences.

Zheng Jianbing, a director responsible for technology operations at Chongqing Broadcasting Group, has been a key figure in Olympic broadcasting since the 2008 Beijing Games. His experience spans all Summer Olympics since then, including the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. This year, the Olympic Broadcasting Services of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has once again invited him to contribute to the Olympic broadcast.

Witnessing the rise of Chinese Olympic broadcasting

Zheng's work has showcased China's growing prowess in this field. For the Paris Olympics, volleyball broadcasts will utilize nearly 30 cameras, producing 4K/HDR ultra-high-definition content transmitted to various rights-holding broadcasters, including China Central Television (CCTV).

"Combining the best production teams, technical expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment ensures that the thrilling images of the Olympic Games are shared globally," Zheng stated. His commitment to excellence means he constantly strives to optimize the quality of the broadcasts he oversees.

This photo shows broadcasting staff working in broadcast centers. (Photo/Zheng Jianbing)

Reflecting on his journey since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Zheng noted the significant progress of Chinese broadcasting. Initially unfamiliar with international standards, Chinese technicians have now caught up. China Media Group, the largest broadcaster for the Paris Olympics, will deploy over 2,000 personnel for international public signals production for events like table tennis, badminton, rock climbing, and gymnastics. This effort includes the first overseas implementation of comprehensive 4K production and 8K coverage for the closing ceremony and track and field events.

Dedication and patriotism

From July 17 until the end of the Paralympics in early September, Zheng's stay in Paris will be demanding. His luggage includes minimal clothing, jogging shoes, knee pads, and a laptop. Daily, he oversees the volleyball venue from 9:30 a.m. until late at night, often starting at 5 a.m. to prep. His activities are confined to the venue and dormitory, limiting his sleep to under five hours a night.

To cope with the grueling schedule, Zheng adjusted his routine a week in advance and meticulously organized technical data into a handy manual. Among his belongings, Zheng always carries a new Chinese national flag, a tradition he has maintained for years. "Participating in the Olympics multiple times, I deeply feel the rise of our country and a strong sense of pride," he said.

During the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Zheng Jianbing joined the broadcasting team. (Photo/Zheng Jianbing)

Because of his busy schedule, Zheng has not attended an Olympic opening ceremony in person since 2008. "The day after the opening ceremony, intense competitions begin, and my priority is ensuring the stability of the live broadcast signal," he explained. Zheng finds fulfillment in flawlessly transmitting the broadcast signal to global audiences.

(Zhou Shuangshuang, a Chinese reporter from Chongqing Daily, and Ma Jiacheng, an intern, also contributed to this article.)