Paris, France - Recent

David Lappartient, president of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for sports cycling, congratulated China on Monday for its historic first-ever gold medal in freestyle BMX, praising the country's remarkable and rapid progress in the event.

18-year-old Deng Yawen won gold in freestyle BMX at the Paris Olympic Games on July 31. Deng produced the two highest-scoring runs in the tournament with 92.60 in her second run, after scoring 92.50 in her first attempt.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Paris, Lappartient said he was astounded by China's ability to produce a gold medalist in the event in a short period.

"I remember when I visited China, after my election, at the end of 2017 or the beginning of 2018, at the time, there was no BMX freestyle (in China). And five or six years later, you are able to have an Olympic champion, which is great. So, congratulations to China. That was a global vision of the Chinese Olympic Committee and the Chinese Cycling Association to put efforts and resources on this. And now it's a success," he said.

He also noted that China's championship helps propel the sport's global reach beyond its European roots, making it accessible worldwide - a key goal for the UCI as China represents a "huge potential country" for cycling's growth.

"Congratulations to the athlete because she was the one to train every morning, every evening, every afternoon to reach this level. And she has a very strong coach coming from Venezuela. This guy took part himself in the last Olympic Games. And he turned now to coach. And he has done an amazing job. I'm sure you can have even more with track cycling, and cycling will continue to grow. And for us, it's also key not to be only a European sport, but to be, yes, a sport that you can practice worldwide. And yes, China is a huge, huge potential country for us. So, congratulations," Lappartient said.

Shotlist:
Paris, France - Recent:
1. Various of Paris Olympics posters on street, on buildings;
Paris, France - Aug 5, 2024
2. SOUNDBITE (English) David Lappartient, President, International Cycling Union (partially overlaid with shots 3-4):
"I remember when I visited China, after my election, at the end of 2017 or the beginning of 2018, at the time, there was no BMX freestyle (in China). And five or six years later, you are able to have an Olympic champion, which is great. So, congratulations to China. That was a global vision of the Chinese Olympic Committee and the Chinese Cycling Association to put efforts and resources on this. And now it's a success.";
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
FILE: Shanghai, China - May 16-19, 2024
3. Various of decorations, sign of Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) for Paris 2024;
4. Various of Chinese athlete
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
FILE: China - Exact Date and Location Unknown
5. Various of training in progress;
Paris, France - Aug 5, 2024
6. SOUNDBITE (English) David Lappartient, President, International Cycling Union (starting with shot 5):
"Congratulations to the athlete because she was the one to train every morning, every evening, every afternoon to reach this level. And she has a very strong coach coming from Venezuela. This guy took part himself in the last Olympic Games. And he turned now to coach. And he has done an amazing job. I'm sure you can have even more with track cycling, and cycling will continue to grow. And for us, it's also key not to be only a European sport, but to be, yes, a sport that you can practice worldwide. And yes, China is a huge, huge potential country for us. So, congratulations.";
FILE: China - Exact Date and Location Unknown
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
7. Athlete chatting with coach;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
8. Various of training in progress.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]