London 2012 : a Chinese charm offensive : a reputation rebuilt and an impression changed?
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
International Journal of the History of Sport
Publication Date
12-1-2013
Volume
30
Issue
15
First Page
1748
Last Page
1757
Keywords
Chinese athletes; the London 2012 Olympics; amiability; reputation; nationalist sentiment
Abstract
Displaying amiability (qinheli) was one of the duties of the Chinese athletes involved in the London 2012 Olympics. Why did the Chinese government ask them to behave in this way? How did the athletes carry out the mandate? Was their amiable performance intended to arouse nationalist sentiment among the Chinese? In response to these questions, two key political preoccupations of the Chinese authorities in the post London Olympics era are identified: remedying foreigners’ negative impressions of China, and gaining a greater input into the decision-making of the International Olympic Committee and its affiliated international sports federations. These objectives are shown to illustrate China’s intention to rebuild its international reputation and challenge the status quo of the international sporting community.
DOI
10.1080/09523367.2013.854777
Print ISSN
09523367
E-ISSN
17439035
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2013 Taylor & Francis
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Chu, M. P. (2013). London 2012: A Chinese charm offensive: A reputation rebuilt and an impression changed? International Journal of the History of Sport, 30(15), 1748-1757. doi: 10.1080/09523367.2013.854777