China and the US tied for first place in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 gold medal table! It's a powerful metaphor.

A few decades ago, China was far behind the US in the Olympics. Now, China has become the US' largest competitor on the world stage.

The US has used its hegemonic influence and power to contain China and other competitors in sports. Anti-doping measures have been wielded as weapons to attack others while securing advantages for their own athletes.

But bending the rules cannot outcompete China. Chinese young athletes earn friendship and respect from their rivals and international audiences.