TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) expressed his gratitude on Facebook on Sunday (Aug. 4), commenting on badminton player Lee Yang's (李洋) photo with the gold medal after Lee and Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟) secured Taiwan's first gold medal at the Olympic Games this year.
"Thank you, Lee Yang! Thank you, Lee and Wang Chi-lin, for moving all of Taiwan! The resilience you have shown is an inspiration to all Taiwanese people! Thank you all! (I can tell from the comments that many of you are as excited as I am and haven't slept yet)," Lai wrote.
Lee and Wang defeated China's top-seeded pair, Liang Weikeng (梁偉鏗) and Wang Chang (王昶), at the men's doubles finals. This victory marks their second consecutive Olympic gold, making them the first men's doubles team in Olympic history to achieve this feat.
The duo faced an unusual challenge before the Olympics due to a Badminton World Federation (BWF) scoring error, which required them to play an extra match in the preliminary round. Despite this, they triumphed over teams from Japan, the United States, Denmark, China, and Thailand, achieving six consecutive victories to reach the final.
In a thrilling match, Lee and Wang won the first set 21-17, lost the second, but clinched the decisive set through their teamwork and skill. Their historic win places them alongside Indonesia and China, the only nations to have defended the men's doubles gold in nine Olympic Games.
This victory brings pride to Taiwan and sets a new benchmark in Olympic badminton history. Fans and supporters eagerly awaited their future endeavors and continued success.