Charge towards the goal: XIE Zhenye presented his championship shirt to Zhejiang University

XIE Zhenye, the champion of the men's 100-meter race at the Hangzhou Asian Games, returned to Zhejiang University, and shared the inspiring story behind his triumph with his fellow students.

Ten years of study in Zhejiang University

XIE Zhenye, who has been studying at Zhejiang University for eleven years since his undergraduate studies in 2012, spoke highly of the institution's contribution to his growth. He attributed his strong critical thinking skills to the education he has received at Zhejiang University, which became increasingly evident throughout his academic journey from undergraduate to doctoral studies.

According to Xie, his pursuit of knowledge and excellence in sports have always been intertwined and have shaped his path to success. My journey through undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies at Zhejiang University has been a process of continuous development as an athlete, he explained.

Xie’s visit was marked by a gesture of gratitude and inspiration, as he donated his Asian Games gold-winning uniform to his alma mater. This uniform witnessed the rise of our national flag and my hard work. I believe it can also inspire my fellow students to pursue their own goals vigorously., Xie remarked.

Looking forward to the Paris Olympics

Xie recalls his journey at the Hangzhou Asian Games, mentioning gratitude frequently. He especially mentioned the entire team that silently supported him through every low point.

During the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships, Xie encountered a setback when his old ankle injury resurfaced, leaving him with only two months until the Asian Games.

I was a bit nervous, but I kept a positive attitude and cooperated with the treatment team, he said. With each step, Xie and his team overcame challenges, ensuring a perfect performance during the games.

The final result is just a facade. To present it perfectly, we need to carefully take each step and refine every detail, said Xie.

Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Xie said, I hope to maintain a young and passionate heart, fighting for my dream. He shared his goals, aiming to reach the finals and achievehis personal best.

Furthermore, Xie eagerly anticipates the opportunity to inspire young athletes, aiming to prove that China's achievements in athletics are not mere chance but rooted in immense potential.

Teaching sports tips on the spot

Returning to his alma mater's campus, Xie  appeared at ease and enthusiastically, leading students through a series of relaxation activities commonly practiced by professional athletes.

“When you’re tired from writing theses, these exercises can help alleviate muscle fatigue and improve overall fitness,” he advised, underscoring the importance of well-being in the pursuit of academic and athletic goals.

Simple movements, if persisted with, can lead to unexpected results, he added.

Following Xie's movements, the students engaged deeply, experiencing the daily training routine of a professional athlete. FENG Loufei, an undergraduate at the School of Management, said, Experiencing XIE Zhenye's warm-up teaching on-site was a bit challenging for me, but it made me appreciate the difficulty of his training. It's an inspiration for us to strengthen our bodies.

HE Xi, an undergraduate at the School of Media and International Culture, said, XIe Zhenye is approachable and inspiring. His perseverance motivates me to face challenges and steadily pursue my goals.

Adapted and translated from the Chinese article written by KE Yineng, ZHOU Yiying, LI Junyuan, XU Chenhao

Photo: CAO Zhijun, FU Hangying, Watchman Media, XIE Zhenye’s Wechat  

Translator: WU Yiwei

Editor: TIAN Minjie