"First, I will thank my country for providing such good opportunities for me to compete in the Olympic arena. And then I give my thanks to everyone who has supported me, my coach and the whole backup staff. I also appreciate my parents."

That was Chinese Olympic champion Zhou Yang's "thank you" speech from an interview with 163.com, one of China's portal websites, on Monday. This time, she noticeably thanked her country first.

Zhou, who made history by winning China's first Olympic title in women's 1,500 short track speed skating in Vancouver last month, told China Central Television at a post-race interview that the gold medal changed her life and was confident that her achievements would lead to a better life for her parents.

But the direct but heartfelt expression by the 18-year-old girl, which touched thousands of spectators, was recently chided by a senior official from the country's sports governing body.

"There is nothing wrong with expressing appreciation for one's parents, but they should put the country in front of their parents, because the country invested a lot for their sports career," said Yu Zaiqing, deputy director of the China General Administration of Sport at a March 7 meeting.

In addition, the official stressed that the ethics of athletes should be emphasized.

Yu's comment soon triggered hot debate among the public about who athletes should thank first in speeches.

In a recent online poll participated in by over 200,000 internet users, more than 86 percent said athletes should thank their parents first.

A netizen surnamed Chen said, "The motherland embraces you only if you win the gold medal. Your mother, however, will always welcome you with her open arms, even if you fail."

"We love our motherland, just as the country loves its people. There's nothing wrong with thanking the parents. Where would we be without our parents?" said a netizen named Vagabond Dongxie.

Many felt there was nothing improper about Zhou's speech, and felt athletes have the right to thank anyone they want first, no matter if it's their country, coaches or family.

Looking at the appreciation speeches delivered by sport stars, we can find they express their thanks in many different ways.

"I am just happy I did the country proud. I am Jamaica's first gold medalist, and I know the whole of Jamaica is going crazy," said Olympic champion Usain Bolt after winning the gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The first "thank you" from Canadian freestyle skier Alexandre Bilodeau went to his elder brother. "My brother is my inspiration. Growing up with handicapped people puts everything in perspective. He taught me so many things."

Actually, there are no rules on what an athlete should say after winning a gold medal. For Zhou Yang, the Olympic champion, the best thing is to represent her appreciation for the country.

China's Zhou Yang reacts during the victory ceremony for the women's 1500m final of short track speed skating at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, Feb. 21, 2010. Zhou Yang won the gold medal.[Photo:Xinhua/Wei Zheng]