Medal rush

Team China's stars overcame the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to shine at the postponed Tokyo Olympics, staged from July 23 to Aug 8 in Japan. While the US topped the medal table with 39 gold, Team China finished second with 38 gold, 32 silver and 18 bronze. Before the final day, China led the standings for 11 consecutive days and was ahead of the US by two golds. China's two other Olympic squads, Team Chinese Taipei and Team Hong Kong also made breakthroughs at the Games, with the former collecting two gold, four silver and six bronze, and the latter claiming one gold, two silver and three bronze.