On December 28, 2024, the "2024 China National Team Public Welfare Service Campaign – Olympic Athletes Entering Campus" event took place at Harbin Engineering University (HEU). Olympic champions LI Wenwen (women’s over 81kg weightlifting, 2024 Paris Olympics), LI Jianrou (women’s 500m short track speed skating, 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics), XU Anqi (women’s epee team event, 2012 London Olympics), and YANG Min (captain of the Chinese women’s rugby team, 2020 Tokyo Olympics) shared their personal journeys with over 1,000 HEU teachers and students. Their stories inspired the students to embrace challenges and strive for excellence.
YU Jianyong, Director of the Sports Equipment Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, GUO Yutian, Deputy Director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau, and LI Rongsheng, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of HEU, attended the event. LI Rongsheng and YU Jianyong each delivered speeches. The event was organized by the Sports Equipment Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Marketing Department of the Chinese Olympic Committee, with co-organization by the Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau and HEU.
In his speech, LI Rongsheng emphasized that HEU has consistently placed great importance on sports. He expressed that the presence of these four Olympic athletes on campus provided an invaluable opportunity for students to learn from their determination and courageous fighting spirit.
YU Jianyong highlighted the significant role of athletes in advancing China's sports sector. He noted that athletes on the national team, through their perseverance and dedication, have showcased China's strength on the global stage, embodying the spirit of Chinese sports in the new era. He encouraged students to look up to these Olympic champions as role models, to cultivate noble ideals, develop resilience, and courageously pursue their dreams.
At the event, YU Jianyong and GUO Yutian presented honorary certificates to the four Olympic athletes. YU Jianyong also presented HEU with a 2024 Paris Olympics Chinese delegation award gown, signed by the athletes.
During the "Champion Lectures," LI Jianrou shared her journey from amateur training classes to sports schools and ultimately to the national team. She remarked, "Life doesn't need to prove anything to others; surpassing oneself is the greatest victory." XU Anqi reflected on her path to becoming a champion in three phases: "setting dreams, realizing dreams, and sustaining dreams." She encouraged young students to shine in the areas they are passionate about.
In the interactive sports session, LI Wenwen guided students through the national team’s daily physical fitness training exercises, demonstrating key techniques and correcting their form. XU Anqi demonstrated the proper grip for fencing and explained fundamental techniques, such as the "T-step" and "taking one and a half steps forward." YANG Min provided technical guidance to HEU’s rugby team, focusing on techniques and tactical coordination. The Olympic athletes shared their experiences to motivate the students, encouraging them to face challenges head-on and pursue their dreams with courage. Under their guidance, students learned proper sports techniques and experienced the allure of competitive sports.
