In the recent media whirlpool, Yang Xu's choice has once again become the focus. The rising Chinese swimmer refused to represent China, opting instead for Australian citizenship. Yang Xu, 25, changed his name to William Yang after being registered in Australia. He insisted that he never intended to play for the Chinese team. Amid Australia's unfair remarks about Chinese swimming, Yang's decision has sparked widespread discussion and attention.
However, when people looked up more background information about Yang Xu, their views on him softened. Yang Xu was born in Australia, to parents who were successful businessmen in China. He returned to Guangzhou when he was four years old, where he began to swim. In 2017, he represented Beijing at the National Games, finishing eighth in the backstroke, when his talent was not revealed. Later, Yang Xu moved to Australia for further study, and under the guidance of the famous coach Bobby Hurley, his swimming performance improved by leaps and bounds, and soon won the Australian national 50m backstroke and butterfly championships, and later won the gold medal in the 50m butterfly at the Universiade, thus becoming famous.
In 2022, Yang Xu switched to freestyle and quickly won the 100m freestyle championship in national competitions, and then helped the Australian relay team achieve great results at the World Championships. He is back from injury and recently finished second in the 100m freestyle, showing that his form is gradually picking up, and he is expected to compete with China at the Paris Olympics.
Although Yang Xu has been an Australian citizen for many years, the Australian media has brought him back into the public eye from time to time, especially in the 2019 Chinese swimming team food contamination incident, when some reporters tried to induce Yang Xu to express his opinion. Yang Xu smartly avoided the trap, saying that he was only focused on the game. His performance was not only outstanding on the field, but also restrained in public opinion.
We have no right to criticize Yang Xu for choosing to be an Australian, as he has indeed made significant progress there and has not belittled the Chinese team as some Australian athletes do. Everyone has the right to choose their own way of life, and we should respect and wish him a better future. What do you think of Yang Xu's choice?