Information Times, March 9, 2010

After speed skater Zhou Yang won the 1,500 meters short-track at Vancouver, she mentioned her parents but neglected to thank her country for supporting her in her quest for an Olympic gold medal.

Her ingratitude was criticized by Yu Zaiqing, an International Olympic Committee vice-chairman and a deputy director at the National Sports Bureau. Yu said that she ought to thank the country first.

Today's Information Times reports that Zhou has taken the criticism to heart.

The paper's front-page story emphasizes the involuntary nature of her do-over: "Zhou Yang offers a second thanks meeting to the leader's standard" and "Zhou Yang follows orders and does it again" are headlines. Zhou's second statement now thanks the country first and foremost, and puts her parents last, after her supporters, her coach, and other sports staff.

Zhou's initial remarks after winning the gold:

This is my dream. I think that this gold medal will bring lots of changes. First of all, it will definitely give me more confidence, and it will also improve life for my parents.

Yu Zaiqing's criticism:

There's nothing wrong with thanking your parents, but first you should thank your country. You've got to put the country first, and not simply thank your parents alone.

Zhou Yang's mother, Wang Shuying:

What Chinese person does not love their country? We raise our children to bring glory to the country! The leader's quibbles — are they really necessary? After bringing so much honor to the country, what does such a little thing matter?

Zhou Yang's second statement, made yesterday:

What I really want to say is thanks. I thank the country for providing us with excellent conditions, for giving us the excellent conditions for our Olympic campaign. And I thank everyone who supported us, I thank our coaches, I thank the staff, and I thank my mom and dad.