Taiwan - August 13, 2024

Taiwan celebrated its Olympic athletes' triumphant return from the Paris Games with a grand gesture as three F-16 fighter jets escorted them home on August 13. Competing under the banner of Chinese Taipei, Taiwan's athletes secured an impressive seven medals, including two golds and five bronzes, marking one of their most successful Olympic outings.

The standout victory came from boxer Lin Yu-ting, who clinched gold in a poignant women's boxing final, amid controversies over gender eligibility that have captured global attention. Despite the tumult, Lin received overwhelming support from both the Taiwanese government and public, with large crowds gathering for celebratory events in her honor in New Taipei City.

President Lai Ching-te personally ordered the fighter jets to accompany the athletes' chartered flight by EVA Air, a spectacle captured in footage released by the defense ministry. On the ground, the athletes were greeted as heroes, with fans flocking to the airport for autographs and selfies. Lin, hailed as "Taiwan's daughter," expressed gratitude and a sense of responsibility, aspiring to be a role model despite distractions from social media and ongoing controversies.