Sideline Story

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.