- Winners and losers after the transfer window
The European football summer transfer window closed with some significant moves of players. Which of the signings have reflected the value? Who disappointed the most in the deals? Also in this episode, we touch on why big powers in European football are spending more cautiously in the transfer market.
- How has Zheng Qinwen improved in her game?
Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen has achieved her personal best record at this year’s grand slam events. Which aspects of her game has she improved? How have other Chinese players been performing at the US Open? Also in this episode, we talk about the surprisingly early elimination of world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz and Olympic gold medalist Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles game.
- How did Sun Yang look in his first race back?
Chinese three-time Olympic swimming champion Sun Yang has returned to competition after over four years of suspension due to an anti-doping rule violation. What level is he at having missed swimming action for this long? What does the future hold for him? Also in this episode, we look back at those athletes making memorable sports comebacks in their careers.
- Double duty: athletes at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games
As the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games opened, there are two Olympian table tennis players continuing their journey in the French capital as Paralympic athletes. In history, more than a dozen athletes around the world can call themselves both Olympians and Paralympians. Some of the Paralympic sports figures also take part in the Olympics in different roles. In this Sideline Story special, we take a closer look at these athletes with double duties.
- Sports authorities lash out at online abuse of athletes in China
Several Chinese sports governing bodies have criticized online abuse targeting athletes and teams, saying the problem has become increasingly intense on social media since the Paris Olympics. How has a "distorted fan culture" impacted Chinese athletes? Where does it come from? Also in this episode, we recall some notorious cases internationally of aggressive fans across different sports.
- Is City still the favorite in the new EPL season?
The new season of the English Premier League is upon us. Can Manchester City defend its title facing more competitive and hungry challengers? In this episode, we look ahead to the Premier League title race and analyze the pros and cons for the top contenders. Also, we touch on how Kylian Mbappe will help an already strong Real Madrid squad, and examine his potential success with the Spanish giant.
- French sportsmen in China: basketball trainer helps youths realize dreams
In this episode of our "French sportsmen in China" series, we speak to French basketball trainer Patrick Regulier with the Zhejiang Lions’ youth team. Regulier has been in China for 16 years and has turned his career from a player to a trainer. He has become a crucial part in the young players’ pursuit for a professional route ahead.
- No room for anti-doping double standards
While athletes put up amazing performances at the Paris Olympics, addressing the issue of doping that undermines the integrity of the prestigious competition is crucial. In this episode, we touch on the controversies over the case where the USADA allegedly allowed athletes who tested positive for banned substances to compete at the Olympics without facing proper sanctions, while launching criticism over the food contamination incident involving Chinese swimmers. In addition, we talk about the breakthrough performances of Chinese Olympians in Paris and memorable moments at the Games.
- Gains and misses from Chinese athletes at Paris 2024
Chinese athletes have put up consistent performances at the Paris Olympics in sports they traditionally dominate, but they have had some close calls in their medal pursuit. How is the Chinese contingent looking? What are some other highlights at the Games? Also in this episode, we touch on some interesting stories that occurred away from competition in Paris.
- French sportsmen in China: Moal and his BMX team
Frederic Moal is a French BMX racing coach in China. In charge of the Guizhou provincial team, he manages six young riders competing in various national competitions with his unique coaching methods. Affectionately known as Laofa, or the French papa, Moal has built a deep bond with his riders, who have almost become his family members. Hear Moal’s story and find out more about the team in this episode of Sideline Story.
- B-Girl Liu Qingyi wants to show 'Chinese style' at Paris 2024
Emerging sports including break dancing and sports climbing have injected fresh impetus in the Paris Olympics with more attention from Generation Z spectators. In this special edition of Sideline Story, we speak to two Chinese participants in the two sports, who share their insights of competing at Paris 2024.
- French sportsmen in China: Yaya Sanogo's Qingdao journey
In this special episode of Sideline Story, we bring you the story of Yaya Sanogo, a French professional football now playing at Chinese club Qingdao Red Lions. Sanogo became a household name when he joined the English Premier League side Arsenal when he was just 19 years old. Having played in Europe only, Sanogo decided to explore a new chapter by signing with a Chinese team in March, 2024. The decision has led to his new perspective about this country and its football culture.
- What makes Paris Olympics special?
The Olympic Summer Games is returning to Paris after 100 years. What has made Paris 2024 different from previous editions of the Olympics? Also in this episode, we give our expectations of Chinese athletes' performances in France and our personal anticipations of the highlighting action of the Games. We touch on how the new trendy sports among Generation Z have changed the Olympic dynamic as well.
- Chinese golfer will shine at Olympics: Feng Shanshan
In this special edition of Sideline Story, we bring you exclusive interviews with former LPGA world number one Feng Shanshan and Chinese women’s hurdler Wu Yanni. Feng, retired now from professional golf, was an Olympic medalist in Rio 2016, while Wu, making her Olympic debut in Paris, represents new forces of Chinese track and field athletes. The two sportswomen shared their thoughts about competing in the Olympics and their anticipation for Paris 2024.
- What makes the Open such an eagerly anticipated tournament?
The season's last major golf tournament is underway in Scotland. We discuss this year's Open Championship that gathers golf's elite players including one from China. We also look into how Chinese golfers have fared so far this season, and who we think has the potential to become a leader in the sport.