TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — Eight Taiwanese athletes who have completed their Olympic competitions were greeted by enthusiastic fans at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Tuesday (Aug. 6) as they returned home from Paris.
The returning athletes include judokas Yang Yung-wei (楊勇緯), Lin Chen-hao (林真豪), and Lien Chen-ling (連珍羚), track and field athlete Chang Po-ya (張博雅), swimmers Eddie Wang Kuan-hung (王冠閎) and Angie Coe (韓安齊), shooter Yang Kun-pi (楊昆弼), and fencer Chen Yi-tung (陳奕通).
Known locally as the "Judo Heartthrob," Yang Yung-wei won a silver medal in the men's 60kg judo event at the Tokyo Olympics but did not reach the podium in Paris. After giving it his all at the Games, he said he was very moved to see so many fans, family, and friends at the airport to welcome him home.
"I was not satisfied with the competition results, but I did my best. So thank you all for your continued support," Yang Yung-wei said.
Lin was eliminated at the women's 48 kg judo event in the round of 16, but she expressed her determination to continue to grow in the future, stating, "I will keep trying to see how far I can go."
A three-time Olympian, Lien, shared that her passion for judo remains, although she lost in the women's 57 kg event in the round of 16.
Wang, known as Taiwan's "Butterfly King," set a new national record at the Olympic Games in the men's 200-meter butterfly semifinals with a time of 1:55.07. Despite not advancing, Wang expressed his determination.
"Although I did not achieve my goal, I think it was a good experience. I hope it will help me to achieve my goal in four years' time," he said.
Yang Kun-pi, the first on the team to qualify for this year's men's trap shooting event, missed the final round by just one point. He stated that this experience would be a good lesson and hoped to compete again in 2028.
The athletes' return marks a moment of reflection and future planning as they consider their next steps. Fans can look forward to seeing how these athletes will continue to contribute to Taiwan's sports legacy.