Shi Qirong, a PE teacher from Nanjing Medical University, serves as a referee for women's 3x3 basketball games at the 2024 Paris Olympics. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

While athletes competed for glory at the Paris Olympics, teachers and students from Jiangsu made their own contributions backstage.

On July 30, during the women's 3x3 basketball group stage between Australia and Canada, and on July 31, in the match between France and Spain, Shi Qirong, a physical education teacher from Nanjing Medical University, served as a referee.

Shi Ping, a PE teacher from Jiangsu, serves as a line judge for badminton matches during the 2024 Paris Olympics. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Shi Ping, another PE teacher from Sihong Middle School in Suqian, Jiangsu, officiated at badminton matches at the La Chapelle Arena. Shi, a national-level referee and international line judge in badminton, has been selected to officiate at numerous international events due to her strong technical skills and proficiency in English.

"Officiating in such a high-stakes environment is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Collaborating with referees from around the world has helped me improve my skills," she said.

Shen Jian, a doctor for China's national swimming team, also plays a crucial role behind the scenes. A graduate of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Shen uses traditional Chinese medicine to keep athletes in peak condition. His daily responsibilities include TCM non-pharmacological therapies and providing nutritional and psychological support to athletes.

Shen Jian, a graduate of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, is a doctor for China's national swimming team. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Xu Jiahui, a second-year student majoring in French at Yangzhou University, volunteered at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Xu's passion for volunteerism and the Games was evident in her application, where she included a 2,000-word motivation letter in both English and French. "Perhaps it was this enthusiasm that moved the Olympic Committee to grant me the opportunity," Xu said.