Taiwan Celebrates Sporting Excellence with 2024 Guo-guang Athletic Medals Ceremony
On Friday, Taiwan’s government hosted the prestigious Guo-guang Athletic Medals and Sports Sciences Research Award Ceremony, recognizing outstanding athletes for their remarkable achievements at international competitions in 2024. A total of 331 athletes and 12 coaches were presented with Guo-guang Athletic Medals, along with cash prizes totaling NT$464.7 million (approximately US$14.34 million).
The event highlighted Taiwan’s strong performance in global sports, with notable figures such as Wang Chi-lin and Lee Yang, who triumphed in men’s badminton doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making their first appearance at the ceremony.
Key Highlights from the 2024 Guo-guang Athletic Medals Ceremony
Athletes and Coaches Recognized
The ceremony celebrated Taiwan’s sporting stars who achieved excellence in 2024. The Guo-guang Athletic Medals are categorized into three grades and nine levels, with the highest medal being awarded to Olympic gold medalists, who also receive a cash prize of NT$20 million. Among the honored athletes were Lin Yu-ting, the gold medalist in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics, and Chou Tien-chen, a badminton ace, who reached the quarterfinals in Paris 2024.
Sports Science Excellence Awards
The ceremony also recognized achievements in sports science research, with 23 studies awarded excellence and superior awards. This underscores Taiwan’s commitment to advancing sports science and supporting its athletes through innovative research.
Reflections from the Athletes
- Wang Chi-lin expressed his joy at attending the event, noting how special it was to see so many of Taiwan’s athletic heroes gathered in one place.
- Lee Yang shared his commitment to using his platform as an athlete to inspire young people and increase support for emerging talent.
Table: Key Medalists and Their Achievements in 2024
| Athlete | Sport | Achievement | Medal and Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lin Yu-ting | Women’s Boxing | Gold Medal, Paris Olympics | Guo-guang Medal, NT$20M |
| Wang Chi-lin | Badminton (Men’s Doubles) | Gold Medal, Paris Olympics | Guo-guang Medal, NT$20M |
| Lee Yang | Badminton (Men’s Doubles) | Gold Medal, Paris Olympics | Guo-guang Medal, NT$20M |
| Chou Tien-chen | Badminton | Quarterfinals, Paris Olympics | Special Achievement Award |
| Chen Kuan-yu | Baseball | Premier12 Championship | Honorary Award |
Chou Tien-chen and Chen Kuan-yu: Inspirations for Taiwan’s Athletes
Veteran athletes Chou Tien-chen and Chen Kuan-yu reflected on their careers, especially as they compete at relatively advanced ages in professional sports. At 34, Chou Tien-chen continues to remain a top contender in the badminton world, while Chen Kuan-yu, at 38, is still competing at a high level in baseball.
- Chou expressed how challenging it is to maintain peak performance but stays motivated through mutual encouragement with his fellow athletes.
- Chen acknowledged that while making it to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics seemed unlikely for him, the dedication required to stay competitive at the highest levels still drives him.
Continued Support for Taiwanese Athletes
In his closing speech, Premier Cho Jung-tai described himself as “the luckiest man in the country” to be in the presence of so many of Taiwan’s elite athletes. He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Taiwan’s athletes, not only with monetary rewards but also through continued investment in sports infrastructure and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the significance of the Guo-guang Athletic Medals?
A: The Guo-guang Athletic Medals are Taiwan’s highest sports honors, awarded to athletes who achieve excellence in international competitions. The medals are accompanied by substantial cash prizes, with Olympic gold medalists receiving NT$20 million.
Q2: Who were the standout athletes at the 2024 ceremony?
A: Some of the standout athletes included Lin Yu-ting, the gold medalist in women’s boxing, and Wang Chi-lin and Lee Yang, who both won gold in men’s badminton doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Q3: How many athletes and coaches were recognized at the ceremony?
A: The ceremony honored 331 athletes and 12 coaches for their achievements in international sports events, along with 23 sports science research projects.
Q4: What is the cash prize distribution for the Guo-guang Athletic Medals?
A: The cash prizes range based on the level of achievement, with Olympic gold medalists receiving the highest prize of NT$20 million.
Q5: What impact does Taiwan’s sports science research have on athletes?
A: Taiwan’s sports science research plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance and well-being of its athletes. The research efforts were celebrated with excellence awards at the ceremony, showcasing Taiwan’s commitment to sports innovation.
