Olympic champions make waves at Zhejiang University

As a gentle breeze rippled across the tranquil surface of Qiuzhen Lake, the boats lined up, poised to launch a thrilling water sports competition. The anticipation was palpable.

“We hope our students can fully immerse themselves in the unique charm of water sports, not only discovering the joys of competition but also deepening their sense of teamwork and resilience,” REN Shaobo, Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council, said at the opening ceremony of the 25th Graduate Student Sports and Cultural Festival of Zhejiang University. He reflected on the time-honored tradition of water sports at the University, with canoeing, dragon boat racing, and swimming being particularly popular among students. He stressed that engaging in sports is not only a relief from the rigors of academic life but also a vital force in cultivating resilience, discipline, and character—qualities essential for shouldering the responsibilities of the times.

Champions and challengers

The much-anticipated “Zhejiang University in Motion: Champions Steer the Course Olympic Champion Challenge kicked off with excitement. Olympic gold medalists from the Chinese canoeing team, including XU Shixiao, SUN Mengya, LIU Hao, and JI Bowen, joined the students in a spirited series of water sports challenges. 

One of the highlights was the dragon boat tug-of-war, where students teamed up with the champions to battle it out, paddling with synchronized might toward victory. The air rang with shouts of encouragement as participants reveled in the joy of water sports. This engaging event not only showcased individual strength but also tested team spirit and perseverance.

The excitement proceeded with the balance challenge, pitting students against the seemingly simple yet surprisingly difficult task of staying upright on kayaks and canoes. JI Bowen effortlessly glided across the water, drawing cheers from the crowd of students and faculty watching from the shore. XU Shixiao then took up the paddleboard, offering tips to challengers on maintaining balance.

Although kayaks and canoes may appear maneuverable, they demand an exceptional sense of equilibrium and core strength. Many students gave it a go, each employing their own stratagem. Yet, none could hold their balance for more than a brief five seconds.

Laughter filled the air as one after another tumbled into the lake, the capsizes turning the challenge into a light-hearted spectacle. LI Sisi, a graduate student from the School of Medicine, was one such brave soul. Initially a spectator, she was swept up in the excitement of the moment. Encouraged by the champions, she took her place on the kayak. Though she, too, ended up in the water, she emerged with a smile. “It looks easy, but it’s incredibly challenging! Staying balanced requires intense focus,” she reflected, dripping but undeterred.

Blending science and sport

The allure of water sports extends beyond the thrill of physical challenges, weaving together the excitement of competition with technical mastery on the world stage. In August 2024, after a long 16-year wait, China’s men’s canoeing team claimed a gold medal again, and the women’s duo delivered a resounding victory with a display of unrivaled skill. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the behind-the-scene technological support from Zhejiang University.

At the heart of this intersection of sport and science was Professor HU Guoqing from Zhejiang University’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. At the event, Professor HU gave a fascinating talk on “Fluid Dynamics and Water Sports Speed,” unveiling the hidden threads that tie water sports to fluid mechanics and offering a glimpse into how science fuels athletic excellence. With ease, Professor HU translated intricate theories into tangible applications, providing the audience with fresh perspectives on the day’s races. “Quantitative research in sports can have a major impact,” he observed, emphasizing the potential for Zhejiang University to continue leading in this evolving field. 

This collaboration between sport and academia, in fact, began long before the triumphs of 2024. As early as 2022, the General Administration of Sport of China reached out to Zhejiang University’s Water Sports Development Center for support in advancing China’s canoeing team’s performance. In June 2023, Professor SHU Shoujuan from the School of Earth Sciences stepped up to join the effort, determined to align her expertise in meteorology with the nation’s Olympic ambitions.

Professor SHU and her team conducted an exhaustive meteorological analysis in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, examining 44 years of weather data, from 1980 to 2023, sourced from both Paris and domestic training sites in Jiangxi, Liaoning, and Guangdong. Their precise forecasts of wind conditions were invaluable to the Chinese canoeing team, offering them a strategic edge in their preparation. For the students involved, it was a moment of pride—a testament to how academic rigor can directly shape Olympic success, uniting sports and science in exhilarating ways. 

Looking ahead, Zhejiang University is poised to continue driving innovation in sports science. With a commitment to fostering collaboration and sharing resources, the University aims to remain at the forefront of this dynamic field.

Adapted and translated from the article by YU Jiaxin, ZHOU Xiang, TONG Tong

Translator: FANG Fumin

Photo: LU Jiahui, TIAN Siqi, DONG Zhuohan, DING Zihan, Graduate School

Video: Zhejiang University Media Centre

Editor: TIAN Minjie