Ahead of the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on March 5, several NPC deputies attended a group interview. Xu Shixiao, a woman NPC deputy, was among those interviewed.
Xu, an athlete with Jiangxi Provincial Aquatic Sports Administration Center, won gold medals in the women's canoe double 500-meter event during successive Summer Olympics in Tokyo (2022) and Paris (2024). She shared her precious memories as a professional athlete during the group interview.
"Since I began wearing the uniform of our Chinese team, my goal has been not only to attend the Olympic Games. I dreamed of winning a top prize for my country. Growing from a young athlete to an international-level professional, I have worked hard, step by step, to make my dream come true," Xu says.
Beginning with the world championship, in 2019, Xu and her partner have consistently been the duo to finish with the top score each time they have competed. "Our speed (in various games) has represented China's speed," Xu notes.
"In recent years," she adds, "the rapid development of our country has provided the stage to show our talents. During the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, Team China clinched 40 gold, 27 silver and 24 bronze medals, marking their best performance at an overseas Summer Olympics.
"Our motherland has given us the great support. I hope more and more people will join us in sports. Let's move forward, together, and do exercises together, obtaining health and joy through sports," Xu says.
Photo by Xinhua/Li Xin
(Source: Women of China)
Editor: Ye Shan
