TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Gaemi prompted the Taiwanese Olympic delegation to depart early for Paris on Wednesday (July 24). Originally scheduled to leave at 11:30 p.m., the team, including track and field athlete Chang Po-ya (張博雅) and fencer Chen Yi-tung (陳弈通), flew out in the afternoon instead.
The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony will occur on Saturday at dawn Taiwan time. Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) and Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee president Lin Hong-dow (林鴻道) have led the delegation, which began departing in groups starting mid-July.
Taiwan's athletes aim to surpass their record-breaking performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where they secured 12 medals: two gold, four silver, and six bronze.
Chen Yi-tung, the first Taiwanese male fencer to compete in the Olympics in 36 years, earned his spot by winning gold at the Asian and Oceania qualifiers in April. Chen, who also holds a Youth Olympic Games silver medal, admitted feeling nervous only upon arriving at the airport. He expressed hope to enjoy his first Olympic experience.
Meanwhile, Chang Po-ya, the only female track and field athlete on the team, will compete in the Women's 100m Hurdles, having qualified through a wildcard. The 20-year-old aims to showcase her best form on the world stage and break her personal record in the event.
As the delegation settles in Paris, the athletes focus on preparation and peak performance. The team remains concentrated on their goals, striving to achieve personal bests and make their nation proud on the world stage.