TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — As the Olympic Games Paris 2024 concluded, Taiwanese boxing champion Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) returned to Taoyuan International Airport on Tuesday morning (Aug. 13). She was warmly welcomed by enthusiastic fans and expressed her pride by saying, 'I am happy to let the world know where Taiwan is."
The final group of Taiwan's delegation arrived alongside Lin, including boxers Wu Shih-yi (吳詩儀), Chen Nien-chin (陳念琴), Huang Hsiao-wen (黃筱雯), Kan Chia-wei (甘家葳), and Lai Chu-en (賴主恩); track and field athletes Peng Ming-yang (彭名揚) and Yang Chun-han (楊俊瀚); and table tennis star Cheng I-ching (鄭怡靜).
In a show of national pride, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) arranged for three F-16V fighter jets to escort the athletes' flight, which received a ceremonial water salute upon landing. Lin described the experience as "amazing and deeply touching."
Hundreds of supporters gathered at the airport, chanting "Daughter of Taiwan" and "Taiwan's pride" as Lin emerged. New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) and Lin's mother, Liao Hsiu-chen (廖秀宸), welcomed her with heartfelt enthusiasm, as Lin shared joyful moments posing for photos with her mother.
Expressing her gratitude to the crowd, Lin revealed that she had deactivated her social media to concentrate fully on the competitions. She aimed to achieve the highest honor and showcase Taiwan's resilience and spirit on the world stage.
Reflecting on being dubbed "Daughter of Taiwan," Lin acknowledged the weight of the title. "Overnight, I became a topic of conversation. I feel honored and proud to receive the title 'Daughter of Taiwan,' but with it comes greater responsibility. I hope to be a role model worthy of this recognition," she said.
As for her future, Lin plans to take a well-deserved rest before discussing her next steps and training plans with her coach.