“Fast & Furious” at ZJU

If aquatic sports are one of the crowns for Zhejiang University, he is definitely the “diamond” on this crown. He led a rich and fulfilling life with a canoe and a paddle in various competitions, such as Sanhao Cup Aquatic Sports Meeting, Chinese University Dragon Boat Sprint Race, National College Students’ Canoe Sprint Championships and China Dragon Boat Race.

He is today’s protagonist—WANG Yingqiang, majoring in ocean engineering and technology.

WANG Yingqiang’s “obsession” with honors derived from Chinese University Dragon Boat Sprint Race 2016. The crushing failure in that grueling competition virtually extinguished his passion. However, it is at this very moment that a veteran canoeist retired with his deep regret that he failed to win a championship before graduation. This regret struck a chord with WANG and he promised faithfully that he would contribute all he could to win glory for the university.

In his junior year, WANG moved to Zhoushan Campus. To fulfill his dream, he was willing to travel between Zhoushan and Hangzhou despite the fatigue of a tedious 4-hour journey and would practice canoeing assiduously at the first opportunity.

In 2018, WANG competed in the National College Students’ Canoe Sprint Championships in eager anticipation. On the first day, he finished fourth in K1M 500m. He was utterly discontented with his performance. Overcome by overwhelming pressure and defeat, he determined to bring out the fortitude of every ZJUer in the coming race.

On the second day, he let go of all his energy and had his long-cherished come true. He came in first, clocking 55.60 seconds in K1M 200m. “When I stepped on the highest podium, I felt greatly honored as a ZJUer,” WANG recollected, with tears in his sparkling eyes.

WANG will go on his journey teeming with fascinations and steeped with promises at ZJU.