From perseverance to podium: XIE Fuwei’s journey to national gold

At the women’s 4×100m relay final of the 15th National Games of China, XIE Fuwei—a student-athlete cultivated by Zhejiang University’s track and field team and a 2021 undergraduate of the School of Public Affairs—ran for Team Hubei and clinched the gold medal. This victory crowns a decade of dedication and marks a new chapter in her growth.

Steady strength on the national stage

As the lead-off runner for Hubei, XIE exploded off the blocks with sharp reflexes and maintained a steady pace. Her powerful start built an early lead, and she executed a smooth baton handoff to teammate LI He, setting a solid foundation for the team’s win.

“As a core member, I carried the hopes of Hubei’s track and field team and also the honor of ZJU,” XIE reflected.

The path to the final was challenging. Leading up to the event, XIE battled recurring hamstring tendinitis in her left leg, complicating both training and recovery. With the relay scheduled on the last day of the Games, the extended wait tested her physically and mentally. Yet she persisted, adhering strictly to competition-level routines daily, embodying a spirit that refuses to yield to difficulty.

Forged by repetition, built on trust

When asked what she gained most from the race, XIE highlighted psychological growth. “There was more expectation and pressure this time, but we held firm, completed the run, and truly broke through mentally,” she said.

That composure was built on relentless preparation. Before the Games, the team practiced relay exchanges at least three times weekly, refining every detail across different orders and positions. XIE and teammate ZHU Junying, who share the same major and daily life at ZJU, developed a deep understanding through constant companionship—a bond that translated into seamless coordination and trust on the track.

Carrying the torch at ZJU

Standing on the podium, XIE felt a profound gratitude, especially toward her ZJU coach, LU Ping. “Coach LU is my mentor. She guided me into ZJU and recommended me to Team Hubei. Through training and competition, she has given me constant support and confidence—my strongest backing.”

As a university-cultivated high-level athlete, XIE’s path reflects ZJU’s model of integrating academics and athletics. The university’s supportive environment and strong academic foundation provide student-athletes room to thrive. Competing for both her province and her university has strengthened her sense of responsibility, while ZJU’s spirit of “Seeking Truth and Pursuing Innovation” has reinforced her belief that steadfast effort leads to lasting progress.

Beyond gold: a new beginning

Looking ahead, XIE’s aspirations are clear and grounded: “I hope to complete my studies well and become an excellent coach in the future.” In her view, passing on her experience to younger athletes is the most meaningful way to extend her athletic journey.

Though the competition is over, training continues. For XIE Fuwei, this gold medal is not an end, but the starting point of a new journey—one fueled by perseverance, responsibility, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines a ZJU student.

Adapted and translated from the article written by LIU Xinqiao
Translator: MING XuenAmelia（’26, Journalism）
Photo: the interviewee
Editor: HAN Xiao