Chongqing - As the Paris 2024 Olympics reach their midpoint, the Chinese delegation has demonstrated stellar performance on the medal tally. Yet, beyond the medals, the athletes' memorable moments on the field are equally deserving of recognition.

A lively crowd in Paris embraces the Olympic spirit as the city prepares for the Paris 2024 Games. (Photo/Xinhua News Agency)

This Olympics marks a historic first with gender parity among participants. IOC President Thomas Bach hailed this as a monumental milestone in the history of the Olympics and sports.

While high-profile athletes like Zheng Qinwen and Quan Hongchan have captured much attention, several female athletes who have yet to secure medals also exemplify the extraordinary Olympic spirit.

Chen Yuxi (left) and Quan Hongchan (right) proudly display their silver and gold medals after the women's 10m platform final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. (Photo/Wang Peng from Xinhua News Agency)

Yang Siqi, the first Chinese athlete to compete in Olympic surfing, is merely 15 years old. Coming from Liangshan, Sichuan, she had never seen the ocean before discovering surfing. A chance encounter with the sport ignited her passion. Though she was eliminated in the round of 16, every moment on the waves was historic. Her surfboard bears the inscription: "Dream the dream you want to dream, go to the place you want to go, become the person you want to be."

Yang Siqi competed in the surfing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. (Photo/Ma Ping from Xinhua News Agency)

The Chinese women's rugby team has performed admirably at this Olympics, defeating Fiji and achieving a dramatic victory over Britain, creating historic moments. The team showcased immense fighting spirit, never retreating, even against formidable opponents. Despite an eventual loss to France, the team members were moved to tears of joy in the locker room, exclaiming, "We made it to the top 6!" Their unwavering dedication was profoundly moving. The head coach remarked, "It is an honor to compete in the Olympics with such an exceptional team."

The Chinese women's rugby team posed for a group photo after their match at the Paris 2024 Olympics. (Photo/Lü Xiaowei from Xinhua News Agency)

Ye Shiwen, concluding her third Olympic journey, reflected, "I have only gained and have no regrets." From her meteoric rise at the 2012 London Olympics to her return as a veteran at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Ye Shiwen has experienced two retirements and comebacks. Simply standing on the Olympic stage once more is a victory in itself. Ye demonstrated remarkable perseverance and determination throughout the competition. She said, "It's not so much that I love swimming, but I love the process of striving. Putting in effort day after day, giving my all in the competition – this process is the most wonderful and compelling to me."

Ye Shiwen competes in the women's 200m individual medley at the Paris 2024 Olympics. (Photo/Xue Yuge from Xinhua News Agency)

On August 9, the Chinese rhythmic gymnastics team, featuring Chongqing-born Ding Xinyi, will compete in the women's group all-around at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ding Xinyi, born in 2004, joined China's national team in 2022. She has delivered outstanding performances in the FIG World Cup, Asian Gymnastics Championships, and Gymnastics World Championships, securing 19 medals and breaking two records. She became one of the first Chinese rhythmic gymnasts to reach the World Championship podium. We eagerly anticipate her performance at this Olympics!

Ding Xinyi, during a previous competition, proudly held her medal. (Photo/Xinhua News Agency)