Taiwanese F-16s escort Olympic gold medal-winning boxer home from Paris
A nation's Olympic heroes can be honoured on their return home in many ways - and Taiwan chose fighter jets.
The Taiwanese military stepped up its welcome and deployed F-16Vs to escort the country's first-ever Olympic gold medal-winning boxer, Lin Yu-ting, and her fellow Olympians home.
As well as the three jets directed by President Lai Ching Te, the boxing, athletics and table tennis teams were greeted with a water salute on their arrival at Taipei airport.
The island nation celebrated winning seven medals, including two golds and five bronzes, and was keen to show its gratitude.
"Do you hear our fighter roar? Yes, it's a morning call for you to honour our heroes," the Ministry of National Defence said on X, alongside the footage of the F-16 escort.
Flares were released by the F-16s as soon as they flew alongside the Taiwanese athletes' EVA Air flight.
Taiwan recorded its second-highest number of medals at the Olympics – the self-governed island competes under the name of Chinese Taipei.
Photos shared by Taiwan showed gold medalist Lin Yu-ting aboard the flight watching a video of President Lai's congratulatory message for the athletes.
Lin Yu-ting made history by winning Taiwan's first-ever Olympic boxing gold medal in the women's 57kg weight class, but like Algerian gold-medallist boxer Imane Khaleif, she was subject to criticism and uninformed speculation about her gender.
On X, President Lai Ching-te said: "Sports move and unite us. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made Taiwan shine at Paris 2024.
"And to all our incredible athletes: We'll always be right beside you, supporting sports and cheering you on, at the Olympics and beyond.
"Onward and upward with Team Taiwan!"
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