During the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, many Chinese sports fans sat in front of the TV and cheered our athletes on, hoping that they would get as many gold medals as possible.
But sometimes our hope for getting more gold medals can result in our more disappointment (失望) if the athletes fail to get them. For example, when Liu Xiang, China's track hero, pulled out of the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of his injury (伤势), he greatly disappointed many Chinese sports fans.
But things are different now. In the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, we saw a healthier and more lenient (宽容的) Chinese attitude towards the sportspeople, fully in line with the Olympic spirit—that is—friendship, participation, fair play and never give up.
China didn't win any gold medals on the first day. But, instead of criticizing (批评) the athletes, most of the fans were happy with their efforts. "They have tried their best. Athletes don't feel good after they miss the gold medal." That's the attitude of most audience. It shows the maturity (成熟) of a person, and is also a development of a country.
Swimmer Fu Yuanhui won fans' hearts, even though she only won a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke final. Her fans on her Sina Weibo have increased from 100,000 to over 6 million. Many sports fans like her straightforward character and attitude towards competitions.
"The attitude towards the Olympics has got to a higher level. We are happy to see this warm change." said an article in People's Daily.
