In the Chinese swimming world, Sun Yang is undoubtedly the brightest star today. He has created countless brilliant achievements and become a leading figure in the Chinese swimming industry. However, just when Sun Yang was in his prime, another swimming genius, Yang Xu, chose a completely different path from him, deciding to give up representing China and join Australian citizenship. This shocking decision has sparked curiosity and concern: what made this budding swimmer in China make such a choice? Faced with this question, Yang Xu gave a simple and direct answer: "I never considered representing the Chinese team, I just focused on swimming and swimming as fast as I could."
Growing up in Australia, he was brought to China by his parents to learn to swim at an early age, leaving countless sweat and tears in this hot land. But in the end, he chose a different path from the Chinese swimming team. This article will trace Yang Xu's growth and career, explore the story and motivation behind his choice, as well as his performances with the Australian national team and his expectations for the Paris Olympics.
Swimming from China to Australia
Yang Xu was born in Australia to a successful Chinese businessman family. At the age of four, he returned to Guangzhou, China, with his parents and started his own swimming. In the swimming pool in Guangzhou, he sweated again and again, trained tirelessly, and slowly grew into an excellent swimmer.
In China, Yang quickly rose to prominence, winning titles in various national competitions and representing Beijing at the 2017 National Games. It can be said that this hot land gave birth to his dream of swimming, and also witnessed his gradual growth from a young boy to a brilliant swimmer.
However, at such a critical moment, Yang Xu made an unexpected decision: he chose to give up his Chinese nationality and join the Australian nationality to play for the Australian swimming team. This undoubtedly surprised everyone who followed him, and they asked what made him make such a choice.
In this regard, Yang Xu gave a straightforward answer: "I never considered representing the Chinese team, I just focused on swimming and swimming as fast as I could." The story behind this quote may be much more complicated than it may seem on the surface.
On the one hand, Yang Xu was born in Australia and has a deep affection and sense of belonging to this land. Although he grew up in China, his birthplace was always Australia. This emotional bond has made him yearn to play for the Australian national team in order to better realize his dream.
On the other hand, Yang Xu also expressed respect for the Chinese swimming team, but he admitted that he had not considered playing for the Chinese team. This may stem from some of the challenges and difficulties he has encountered during his swimming career in China. Perhaps he feels that he can get better resources and support in the Australian team to better realise his potential.
In any case, Yang Xu's decision has undoubtedly attracted widespread attention. From a budding swimmer in China, to becoming an Australian citizen, to achieving great results on the international stage, his struggle is undoubtedly worth learning more about.
Brilliant performances for the Australian national team
After choosing to become an Australian citizen, Yang Xu ushered in a new stage of his career. Here, he found a new world and better resources and support to better realize his potential.
As soon as he became a naturalized Australian, Yang Xu stood out in a short period of time, winning the 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly championships in the Australian national competition. This is undoubtedly a testament to the fact that he is highly regarded in the Australian national team and has been professionally nurtured and supported.
In 2019, at the World University Games, Yang Xu showed his outstanding strength and won the gold medal in the 50-meter butterfly. This achievement not only made him famous in the Australian swimming world, but also attracted the attention of the international swimming community.
But Yang Xu did not stop there, he went further and further on the development path of the Australian national team. In 2022, he became one of Australia's fastest freestylers, winning the 100m freestyle at national events. This result not only earned him a huge reputation, but also added a lot of hope to Australia in the relay event.
At last year's World Championships in Budapest and Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Yang Xu played well and helped the Australian relay team win many medals. It can be said that years of tempering in the Australian national team have made Yang Xu's strength stronger and stronger, and he has gradually grown into an indispensable and important force for this team.
It is worth mentioning that at his peak, Yang Xu encountered major challenges in his career. He had a tumor in his spinal canal that severely affected his normal life. But instead of giving up, he chose to face it bravely. After surgery and recovery training, he miraculously returned to his peak form. At the Gold Coast in March, his 100m freestyle was second only to Rio 2016 Olympic champion Chalmers.
The hardships during this period undoubtedly made Yang Xu more tenacious. With tenacious willpower and professional training, he finally overcame his injury and stood on top of the top again. This indomitable spirit has undoubtedly won the infinite trust and support of the Australian national team, making Yang Xu more full of opportunities in the future.
The dream of the Paris Olympics
Now, Yang Xu is fully preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics. As for this goal, he said that it is his dream: "This is an opportunity that I have always dreamed of, and I will do my best to achieve it."
Yang Xu expressed respect for the Chinese swimming team of his former motherland, but admitted that he had never considered playing for them: "I just focused on my swimming and tried to swim as fast as possible." The decision may have had something to do with some of the challenges he faced during his time in China, but in any case, he was fully committed to his goal of playing for the Australian national team.
On the road to preparing for the Paris Olympics, Yang Xu faced a lot of pressure and challenges. As an Australian-born swimmer who has made his mark in China, he had to find his balance between the expectations and concerns of swimming in both countries. At the same time, he'll need to continue to be in great form and compete with world-class opponents.
But Yang Xu is clearly ready to take on these challenges. He said he would continue to stay focused and do his best to train and compete. He knows that to do well in Paris, it will take a lot of hard work. At the same time, he also fully felt the full support from the Australian national team, which undoubtedly gave him great motivation and confidence.
In terms of personal goals, Yang Xu hopes to win a gold medal for Australia at the Paris Olympics. This is not only his personal dream, but also his greatest contribution to Australia. He admits that this will be the pinnacle of his career and the best way for him to dedicate himself to this hot land.
In addition, Yang Xu also hopes to set an example for more young swimmers through his outstanding performance. As a swimmer who was born in China but ultimately chose to represent Australia, he hopes to inspire more people who have been through the same experience to pursue their dreams. He believes that anyone can achieve in sports with focus and determination.
In general, Yang Xu is striving for the upcoming Paris Olympics with full enthusiasm and strong fighting spirit. He has already had a stellar list of results with the Australian national team, and now he is desperate to make a name for himself and Australia in this top competition. No matter what the result is, Yang Xu's struggle is undoubtedly worthy of our learning and admiration. With his own hands and sweat, he has achieved a transnational swimming dream, which is undoubtedly very worthy of our attention and appreciation.
epilogue
Yang Xu's story is undoubtedly shocking and admirable. A swimming prodigy born in Australia but rising to prominence in China has chosen to represent his home country, Australia, and continue to pursue his dreams on the international stage. Although this decision caused controversy, it illustrated his deep attachment to the land and his dedication to sports.
In the years of tempering of the Australian national team, Yang Xu not only showed excellent swimming skills, but also demonstrated the tenacious and unyielding spirit. Even when his career faced major challenges, he chose to face them bravely and miraculously returned to the top. This determination to never give up and the courage to dare to challenge is undoubtedly admirable.
Now, Yang Xu is fully preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics. He showed great enthusiasm and determination for this coveted opportunity. Not only does he want to win a gold medal for Australia, but he also hopes to set an example for more young people who have gone through the same experience through his performances.
No matter what the result is, Yang Xu's struggle is undoubtedly worthy of our learning and admiration. With his own hands and sweat, he achieved a cross-border swimming dream, which is not only a story of personal achievement, but also reflects the charm of sports without borders. Let's look forward to the upcoming Paris Olympics, Yang Xu can shine again and write a moving chapter for himself and Australia.