A WINNING ASSIST

Foreign coaches play a pivotal role in helping deliver a historic Games for China

Motivated by the untapped potential and admirable work ethic of their Chinese disciples, a legion of foreign coaches have overcome challenges, both on and off the field, to help Team China shine brightly in Paris.

Despite dealing with cultural differences and a language barrier, as well as the fierce on-field competition, Team China's foreign coaches and their assistants have hit on a medal-winning formula with the country's hard-working Olympians, leading them to a series of historic "firsts", huge ranking leaps and long-awaited revivals at the Paris Games.

Guided by 42 foreign coaches and staff members from 17 countries and regions, the biggest international crew a Chinese Olympic delegation has ever hired, Team China has expanded its athletic prowess beyond its traditionally strong events to earn success in a wider range of once Western-dominated sports, as well as emerging disciplines.