Three members of the Chinese Women’s Hockey Team, fresh from their silver medal win at the Paris Olympics, have come together to send a heartfelt message of gratitude and祝福 (blessings) to their alma mater. In a video recorded on the eve of China’s Teacher’s Day, athletes Yang Liu, Tan Jintong, and Yu Yanhui expressed their appreciation for the education and support that propelled them to Olympic heights.
A Triumphant Return to Roots
The athletes, all hailing from Dazhou, Sichuan, shared a moment of pride and nostalgia as they reminisced about their time at Dazhou No. 1 Middle School (hereinafter referred to as Dazhou No. 1). In the video, they wore their silver medals with pride, donning red shirts that bore the logo of their母校 (alma mater).
We are all from Dazhou and had the honor of studying at Dazhou No. 1. From here, we stepped out to compete on a national and international stage, said Yu Yanhui, her face beaming with自豪 (pride).
A Historical Feat in Paris
The silver medal at the Paris Olympics marks a significant milestone for the Chinese Women’s Hockey Team. It is the best performance by the team in 16 years, matching their historical best achieved at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
The road to the medal was fraught with challenges. The team was grouped in the tough Group of Death with world-ranked No. 1 and Tokyo Olympics champion, the Netherlands, as well as traditional powerhouses Belgium and Germany.
Despite a tough start, losing to Belgium 1-2 in their opening match, the team regrouped and defeated Belgium in the semi-finals. They faced the Netherlands in the final, where they scored first but were later leveled. The match went into a penalty shootout, where the Chinese team ultimately lost 1-3, securing the silver medal.
Gratitude to Alma Mater
The athletes’ journey to the Olympics was not just a personal triumph but also a reflection of the education and training they received at Dazhou No. 1 and Dazhou Sports School.
We could not have stood on the Olympic podium without the cultivation of our alma mater and the guidance of our coaches. We also owe a great deal to the support of our hometown people, said Yang Liu.
The athletes, who are unable to visit their母校 in person due to their busy schedules, chose to send their blessings virtually. Their video message is a testament to the impact of their education on their lives and careers.
In the Olympic arena, we gave it our all, not only to achieve our dreams and bring glory to our country but also to fulfill the expectations of our母校 and teachers, added the trio.
An Educational Legacy
Dazhou No. 1, a centennial institution, is known for its comprehensive education philosophy of Virtue, Health, Aspiration, and Learning. The outstanding performance of Yang Liu, Yu Yanhui, and Tan Jintong at the Paris Olympics is a testament to the success of this educational approach.
The video message, recorded ahead of Teacher’s Day, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of education and the role of teachers in shaping future generations.
The blessings and gratitude we express are the fruits of the hard work of our teachers. It will also inspire young people at our alma mater to strive for their dreams, concluded the athletes.
The silver medalists’ message has resonated with many, drawing comments of support and admiration from across China. Their story is not just about athletic achievement but also about the enduring impact of education on individual and collective success.
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