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The dust has settled on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. It was a couple of weeks of blood and tears as the world’s finest athletes showcased their talents in competition with their counterparts around the world.

Each country put their best foot forward. With just 11 medals including four gold, two silver and five bronze, Kenya still managed a ranking of 17 globally in the august games.

China, a leader in many socioeconomic fields, was ranked second. Team China clinched 40 gold, 27 silver and 24 bronze medals in Paris, marking their best performance at an overseas Summer Olympics.

Over the past few decades, China has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the Olympic Games, consistently ranking among the top medal-winning nations. However, the nation’s rise in the Olympics is not a mere coincidence. It is the result of a meticulously planned and executed strategy, driven by government support, early talent identification, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

One of the main reasons behind China’s Olympic success is the massive support and investment from the Chinese government. China has adopted a state-sponsored approach to sports development.

The government has made sports a national priority, seeing Olympic success as a way to showcase the country’s strength and global standing.

This state-driven model involves significant financial investment in sports infrastructure, training facilities, and athlete development programmes.

The government allocates substantial resources to sports academies and institutes, ensuring that athletes have access to the best coaches, equipment, and training environments.

China’s sports system is designed to identify and nurture talent from a young age. Talent scouts frequently visit schools across the country, searching for children who demonstrate exceptional athletic abilities.

Once identified, these children are offered the opportunity to join specialised sports schools where they undergo rigorous training while continuing their education.

This early and focused training is a key factor in the success of Chinese athletes, particularly in sports that require technical precision.

China’s Olympic strategy also involves a calculated focus on specific sports where the country has a competitive advantage.

The government and sports authorities have identified certain disciplines as key areas where China can consistently win medals.

For instance, in gymnastics and diving, China’s athletes are renowned for their technical precision and consistency, qualities that have been cultivated through years of specialised training. In table tennis and badminton, China has developed a near-monopoly, with its players ranked among the best in the world.

Another crucial factor in China’s Olympic success is the cultural emphasis on discipline, hard work and the pursuit of excellence. Chinese athletes are known for their unwavering dedication to their sport, often training for years with little to no breaks.

In recent years, China has increasingly integrated sports science and technology into its training programmes.

The use of data analytics, biomechanics and cutting-edge technology has helped Chinese athletes to optimise their performance and reduce the risk of injury.

This scientific approach to sports has given China an edge in disciplines where precision and technical mastery are crucial.

China’s dominance in the Olympics is the result of a complex interplay of factors, including government support, early talent identification, strategic focus on specific sports, cultural values and the use of advanced sports science.

As China continues to invest in its athletes and refine its sports strategies, its presence in the Olympic Games is likely to remain formidable for years to come.

— The writer is a PhD student in International Relations