TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) video chatted with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) at the Taipei Representative Office in France on Monday (Aug. 12) after clinching gold in the women's 57kg boxing category at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
François Chih-chung Wu (吳志中), Taiwan's representative in France, presented a congratulatory letter from President Lai to Lin. Bronze medalist Chen Nien-chin (陳念琴) also joined the 10-minute video call, which aimed to boost morale.
James Cheng (鄭世忠), director-general of the Sports Administration, disclosed that President Lai had planned the call before Lin's final match.
Lin expressed that the video chat was a unique experience, noting Lai's concern for her emotions, recent experiences, and future plans.
Lin mentioned that President Lai promised full support and care for athletes, which she found reassuring. She admitted feeling blank moments before the call, unsure of what to discuss with the president.
Lin also shared her excitement about visiting the Presidential Office upon returning to Taiwan. She joked that she would seize the moment for a selfie with President Lai, comparing it to finding an opening in a boxing match.