The China national team, represented by Deputy Sports Minister Cui Dalin, received the award from Laureus academy chairman Edwin Moses, a former Olympic 400-meter hurdles champion, and fellow Laureus academy member and Olympic table-tennis gold medalist, Deng Yaping. The team was selected by the 46-member jury of the academy, which is made up of retired athletes.

With a final record medal tally of 51 gold, 21 silver and 28 bronze, China dominated its home Olympics by setting records in archery, fencing, trampoline, sailing, rowing and gymnastics.