ZJU's champions embark on the Asian Games journey

As the Hangzhou Asian Games kicked off on the 23rd of September, various sporting events are in full swing. Representing China in this grand spectacle are four outstanding students from Zhejiang University. Let's get to know them better as they vie for glory at the Asian Games.

WU Yibing, undergraduate student at the School of Public Affairs

His victory in the boys' singles and doubles championships at the 2017 US Open Junior Tennis Tournament set the stage for his rise in the sport. In 2022, WU became the first male player from the Chinese mainland to make it to the US Open main draw, reaching the Round of 32. In 2023, he made history as the first player from the Chinese mainland to lift an ATP Tour trophy after winning the Dallas Open title.

Competition event: Men's Tennis

Words from WU: “Participating in the Hangzhou Asian Games in my hometown is of great significance. I look forward to the opportunity to share the charm of tennis with more people and make more efforts to promote youth tennis.”

XIE Zhenye, doctoral student at the College of Education

XIE is the current Asian record holder of the 200 metres with a time of 19.88 seconds. XIE's personal best in the 100 metres of 9.97 seconds makes him the second Chinese sprinter to record a time below the 10-second barrier. XIE represented China at the 2012 Summer Olympics, 2016 Summer Olympics and 2020 Summer Olympics where he became the first Chinese athlete to have ever qualified for a semi-final of men's 200 metres at any Summer Olympic Game. He contributed to China's medal tally with a bronze in the 4x100-meter relay at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Competition event: Men's 100m, 4×100m Relay 

Words from XIE: “As a student of Zhejiang University, I am honored to participate in the games as a host. I will compete with the confidence of striving for excellence and the strategy of focus and composure.”

YU Junyan, undergraduate student at the College of Education

YU's mastery of roller skating has earned him accolades on the international stage. In 2017, he clinched the top spot in the youth men's category at the Nanjing World Roller Skating Championships, securing China's first gold medal in the competition. In 2018, he conquered competitors from France to become the adult speed slalom champion at the Netherlands Freestyle Roller Skating Championships. Notably, in 2019, he successfully defended his title in the adult speed slalom at the Spain Freestyle Roller Skating Championships and even shattered a world record.

Competition event: Men's Freestyle Roller Skating Speed Slalom 

Words from YU: As an athlete competing on home turf, I hope to prepare and compete at my full potential. I will give my all on the field, showcasing my abilities and style.

RAO Xinyu, undergraduate student at the College of Education

RAO has emerged as a star in the world of athletics. In the 2019 3rd Asian Youth Athletics Championships, she won the women's 800 meters and mixed-distance relay championships, breaking two event records. In the 2023 National Athletics Championships and Asian Games trials, she claimed victories in the women's 800 meters.

Competition event: Women's 800m

Words from RAO: As one of the top athletics events in Asia, the Asian Games brings together elite athletes from various countries. I hope to be in my best form, performing at the highest level to bring honor to my country.

Photo: Xinhua, the interviewees