Farewell Medal Mania, Hello Sports Reform

Chinese sports fans following the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro have noticed something different about the latest generation of Olympians representing their country: Today's young athletes are a lot less inclined to cry if they fail to win a gold medal.

That may explain why 20-year-old swimmer Fu Yuanhui was vivacious and humorous on live TV after winning a bronze medal, not the hoped-for gold, for her showing in a 100-meter backstroke competition. And it may explain why acclaimed swimmer Ning Zetao appeared calm after failing to qualify to compete for a medal.