Shanxi athlete wins gold in taekwondo competition at Paris Olympics

Xiao Shunan from North China's Shanxi province and her teammates clinched the gold medal in the Taekwondo Mixed Team Performance Event at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Aug 11, Beijing time, after defeating Uzbekistan in a thrilling final match.

Xiao Shunan (second from left) and her teammates win the championship. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

The event, a demonstration sport at the Olympics, featured four teams. China's team consisted of Xiao Shunan, Zhang Mengyu, Meng Mingkuan and Xiang Qizhang. After defeating France in the early rounds, the Chinese team showcased their impressive skills and teamwork, ultimately defeating Uzbekistan with a score of 34-24.

The competition rages on. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

The Taekwondo Mixed Team Performance Event has been rising in popularity in recent years. It was showcased as a demonstration event at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, and is currently under consideration for inclusion as an official event in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Chinese Taekwondo team has established itself as a leading player in the sport, securing gold medals in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympic demonstrations.

Xiao Shunan, born in 1999, began training at the Beijing Sport University Affiliated Competitive Sports School in 2017. She secured a place on the national team and earned a slot at the Paris Olympics after finishing second in the Women's 67kg+ category at the 2023 World Taekwondo Grand Slam Champions Series and Olympic Qualification Tournament in December 2023.