Nike Takes Victory Lap After Qinwen Zheng Won Gold at Paris

Nike perfectly timed its commercial for Qinwen Zheng before the Paris Olympics.

Qinwen Zheng starred in a Nike ad before the Paris Olympics. | Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday night, Qinwen Zheng easily defeated Donna Vekić in straight sets: 6-2, 6-3. Zheng won the gold medal in the women's singles tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, Zheng was not the only winner.

It was China's first-ever Olympic gold medal in women's singles tennis. Additionally, it was another victory for Nike. The iconic American sportswear brand featured Zheng in a new commercial just before the Summer Games started.

The face of a true winner: never satisfied, never finished.

It’s Qinwen Zheng’s @olympic debut and she’s going all in.#WinningIsntForEveryone #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/vYtaNK2I5P

— Nike (@Nike) July 27, 2024

In the 16-second video, Zheng can be seen training on the clay courts at Roland Garros. Narrated by Zheng, the 21-year-old asks, "Should I look happy when I'm not?"

She continues, "Should I smile when I lose? If I don't hate being second... How will I ever be first?"

Zheng maintained that zero-sum mindset throughout the Paris Olympics, which helped her defeat rivals like Emma Navarro and Iga Swiatek.

No further questions.

Qinwen Zheng silenced doubt today with her first @Olympics gold.#WinningIsntForEveryone #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/p8KvP5diJJ

— Nike (@Nike) August 3, 2024

After Zheng's victory, Nike took a victory lap on social media. The brand posted, "No further questions. Qinwen Zheng silenced doubt today with her first @Olympics gold."

Zheng has been a Nike athlete since 2016 and the future of the partnership looks stronger than ever after the Paris Olympics. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport and beyond.

Further Reading: Emma Navarro and Qinwen Zheng exchanged trash-talk after their match.