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China’s secret formula for the Olympics revolves around women. In short, female sports are underfunded throughout the world. Realizing this, China began over-funding its female teams (relative to the male teams) long ago.
In the past, this strategy has already paid off for China. In Athens (2004), China’s women won 19 gold medals vs. 12 for the men. In comparison, American women won 12 gold medals compared to 23 for the men…
Image: Getty Images
The government recognized that medals won by either women or men would further its goal to be competitive in sports globally. "Besides China, no other nation gives equal financial support and media attention to women's sports. That's why China can challenge the U.S. in medals -- it treats men and women equally," says Ms. Brownell. China's quest for gold intensified following the 2000 Games, when Chinese sports authorities unveiled Project 119, aimed at boosting its medal haul.
(online.wsj)
References: online.wsj
Filed In:
lifestyle,
olympics,
sports
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