Hangzhou athlete Wang Nan, along with teammates Li Dongyin, Yin Mengdie, and Sun Yuewen, finishes fifth in the women's 500m kayak four final at the Paris Olympics on Aug 8 with a time of 1:33.57. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou athlete Wang Nan, along with teammates Li Dongyin, Yin Mengdie, and Sun Yuewen, finished fifth in the women's 500m kayak four final at the Paris Olympics on Aug 8 with a time of 1:33.57, marking China's best-ever result in the event. The gold went to New Zealand with a time of 1:32.20.

Despite being in the top three halfway through the race, the Chinese team was overtaken in the final stretch. Wang, who placed sixth in Tokyo, made a remarkable improvement this time. Her performance has inspired younger athletes, including her peers back in Hangzhou.

Wang's former coach, Jiang Yin, praised her progress, saying her maturity and determination have pushed her to new heights. Wang will compete again in the women's 500m kayak single semifinals on Aug 10, with hopes of advancing to the final.

Younger athletes, including Wang's peers back in Hangzhou, cheer up for the Chinese team on Aug 8. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]