Greater China's Olympic Medal Haul: Beyond Sports Excellence

Greater China's elite athletes, including China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, have competed in the Summer Olympics since 1984, winning 263 gold, 199 silver, and 173 bronze medals. Their success has made them a global sports superpower, and their administrations have awarded cash, badges, and honorary titles to the medalists to celebrate their sporting excellence and serve broader strategic goals. This book aims to understand the significance of the Olympic medal haul to the Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong authorities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Between 1984 and 2021, elite athletes from the member regions of Greater China – China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong – competed at each of the ten Summer Olympics. By winning 263 gold medals, 199 silver, and 173 bronze, China became a global sports superpower. Taiwan and Hong Kong pocketed 7 gold medals, 10 silver, and 17 bronze, and 2 gold medals, 3 silver, and 4 bronze, respectively, displaying their world-leading statuses in archery, badminton, baseball, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, Judo, karate, sailing, Taekwondo, table tennis, and weightlifting. In response, the leaders of the three regions delivered high-profile praise. Their administrations awarded cash, badges, and/or honorary titles to the medalists.

By reviewing journalistic reports, key-players memoirs, official documents, and scholarly works, this book aims to understand the significance of the Olympic medal haul to the Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong authorities. Its findings detail the context in which the Olympic medal haul was leveraged for the political change of the three regions and their relations with each other. They also reveal that the praise and rewards bestowed by the respective authorities on the medalists not only celebrated their jurisdictions' sporting excellence but served broader strategic goals across domestic politics and international relations.

Greater China, consisting of China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, has a rich history of athletic excellence, with elite athletes representing the region at the Summer Olympics. Between 1984 and 2021, these athletes participated in ten Olympic Games and achieved remarkable success, securing a total of 263 gold medals, 199 silver medals, and 173 bronze medals. China's outstanding performance propelled it to become a global sports superpower, while Taiwan and Hong Kong also showcased their world-leading statuses in various sports.

In archery, Taiwan and Hong Kong secured 7 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 17 bronze medals, respectively, demonstrating their prowess in the sport. Taiwan and Hong Kong also excelled in badminton, baseball, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, Judo, karate, sailing, Taekwondo, table tennis, and weightlifting, winning 2 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 4 bronze medals each.

The leaders of Greater China, recognizing the significance of the Olympic medal haul, expressed their high-profile praise and rewards to the medalists. Their administrations awarded cash, badges, and/or honorary titles to the medalists, recognizing their sporting achievements and contributions to the region. This praise and recognition not only celebrated the jurisdictions' sporting excellence but also served broader strategic goals across domestic politics and international relations.

The Olympic medal haul played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Greater China. The success of elite athletes from the region not only boosted national pride but also helped to consolidate power and influence among the authorities. The medalists were often hailed as national heroes, and their achievements were used to promote the region's image and reputation on the global stage.

Furthermore, the Olympic medal haul facilitated the political change of the three regions. The success of athletes from Greater China in the Olympics served as a catalyst for political reforms and opening up in the region. The authorities recognized the potential of sports to unite people and promote social harmony, and they used the Olympic platform to promote their political agendas.

The medalists themselves also played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Greater China. Many of them became political figures or activists after their sporting careers, using their platform to advocate for social justice and political change. Their achievements and experiences were often used to inspire and motivate others, particularly young people, to pursue their dreams and contribute to the development of the region.

In conclusion, the Olympic medal haul of Greater China between 1984 and 2021 was a remarkable achievement that showcased the region's sporting excellence and contributed to its political change. The success of elite athletes from the region not only boosted national pride but also helped to consolidate power and influence among the authorities. The medalists themselves played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Greater China, using their platform to advocate for social justice and political change. The Olympic medal haul continues to be a source of inspiration and pride for the people of Greater China, and its significance will likely continue to be felt for years to come.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032447315