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Olympia: Mao on the podium

Zhong Tianshi and Bao Shanju at the medal ceremony. Next to the Chinese flag is the red and gold pin with Mao’s face.

China condemns the politicization of the Olympic Games. But at the same time, state media rail against the Americans or praise their athletes when they pay homage to Mao Zedong at the medal ceremony. Athletes from Hong Kong and Taiwan are insulted by nationalists. But anger also mounts against unsuccessful Chinese athletes.

By
Marcel Grzanna
Image of Marcel Grzanna

As the Great Helmsman he was once chosen to be, China’s late founder Mao Zedong might have preferred a victory ceremony for the Chinese eight rowing. But as it was, track cycling sprinters Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi made his likeness their own after their gold triumph. At the medal ceremony on Monday, the two athletes had pinned a button to their chests which showed Mao’s likeness – small, but clearly visible up close.

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