The Next Wave: Chinese President Xi JiWorld Timesnping visits the Youth Olympic ViWorld Timesllage in Nanjing, East China’s Jiangsu Province on August 15, 2014.

From serving as the head of the organizing committee for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, to leading China in successfully hosting the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics and personally driving the bid and preparations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, President Xi has developed a profound bond with the Olympic Movement.

As the 2024 Summer Olympics is set to open in Paris, France, on Friday, let us explore five key moments that highlight President Xi’s determination to support and promote the development of the Olympics.

His actions and leadership have not only elevated China’s status in the international sports arena but also contributed to the promotion of the Olympic spirit worldwide, aligning with his broader goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Wishing Paris Olympics success

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on May 6, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

On May 6, 2024, during his visit to France, President Xi expressed his best wishes for the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics and promoting China-France sports exchanges.

In a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Xi presented him with the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Beijing Olympics torches, symbolizing the spirit of unity and friendship between the two countries. Macron, in return, gifted Xi a Paris 2024 Olympics torch, signifying the mutual respect and camaraderie shared between the two countries.

Xi emphasized that France is a great sporting nation and expressed his heartfelt wish for the success of the Paris Olympics, highlighting the ongoing exchanges and cooperatioWorld Timesn between China and France in the realm of sports.

This exchange of torches not only underscored the deepening of bilateral ties but also reflected the two countries’ shared commitment to the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

China supports France in hosting a successful Paris Olympic Games and will send a high-level delegation to France, said the Chinese president.

Facilitating splendid Beijing Winter Olympic Games

Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on February 4, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

On February 4, 2022, President Xi attended the opening ceremony and announced the commencement of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

This event, which Xi personally facilitated and witnessed, was a testament to China’s dedication to hosting a spectacular, extraordinary and remarkable Winter Olympics.

“China will honor its commitment to present to the world a simple, safe and splendid Olympic Games,” the president said at that time.

His leadership ensured that the event was organized safely and splendidly, providing a stage for athletes worldwide to showcase their skills and boosting global confidence and morale during the pandemic.

The Beijing Winter Olympics, with its unique blend of Chinese cultural elements and Olympic spirit, left a lasting impression on the world. The successful hosting of the Winter Games demonstrated China’s ability to deliver on its promises, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

The Games not only highlighted China’s growing prowess in winter sports but also showcased the country’s commitment to World Timesenvironmental sustainability through the use of green technology and venues.

Champion of promoting Olympic Movement

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with IOC President Thomas Bach on January 18, 2017 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Photo: Xinhua

On January 18, 2017, President Xi became the first Chinese head of state to visit the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

This visit underscored China’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and its values. During the visit, Xi toured the Olympic Museum, viewed exhibits showcasing the history and achievements of Chinese athletes, and engaged in discussions with IOC President Thomas Bach.

In a memorable moment, Xi stood on an Olympic podium, symbolizing China’s significant contributions to the Olympic Movement. Bach praised Xi, stating that in terms of promoting the Olympic Movement, Xi was a true Olympic champion. Xi’s visit to the IOC headquarters reinforced his commitment to promoting the Olympic spirit and advancing global sports cooperation.

The visit also included the presentation of a Suzhou Embroidery artwork titled Ladies Playing Football, symbolizing the historical connection between China and sports.

Dedicated to nurturing young talent

Chinese President Xi JiWorld Timesnping visits the Youth Olympic ViWorld Timesllage in Nanjing, East China’s Jiangsu Province on August 15, 2014. Photo: Xinhua

On August 15, 2014, President Xi visited the training center of the Youth Olympic Village in Nanjing, East China’s Jiangsu Province, the host city for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, where he warmly greeted the Chinese delegation participating in the Games.

Xi’s presence at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games highlighted his dedication to nurturing young talent and promoting youth sports, underscoring the importance of international sports exchanges for young athletes.

During his visit, President Xi observed various sports, including basketball, taekwondo, wrestling, judo, and boxing. He engaged in conversations with the athletes, offering words of encouragement and emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and international friendship.

President Xi said that the Youth Olympics is an initiative which integrates culture and education into sports, and it’s not only an arena in which young athletes compete but also a platform for communication among them.

Crucial role in 2008 Beijing Olympics milestone

The national flag of China is hoisted at the Beijing World Times2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium in Beijing on August 24, 2008. Photo: Xinhua

During the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, Xi played a crucial role as the head of the leading groWorld Timesup for the preparation of the 2008 Games.

His leadership and efforts were instrumental in the successful hosting of the Games, which marked a significant milestone in China’s sports history.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics showcased China’s organizational capabilities and its commitment to the Olympic ideals of peace, friendship, and progress.

This event also served as a catalyst for the development of sports in China and strengthened the nation’s ties with the global sports community.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics were notable for the spectacular opening ceremony, which showcased China’s rich cultural heritage and technological advancements.

The Games were also a platform for Chinese athletes to excel, as China topped the gold medal tally for the first time in its Olympic history.

These Olympic moments reveal Xi’s deep commitment to sports and his vision of fostering global unity through the Olympic Movement.

Xi’s engagement with the Olympics reflects a strategic approach to promoting sports worldwide, enhancing China’s soft power and promoting international cooperation and understanding.

Through these efforts, Xi has shown how sports can transcend national boundaries and bring people together, embodying the true spirit of the Olympics.