Xu Faguang aces race walking at National Games

Xu Faguang, the 30-year-old heel-and-toe walker, won a gold medal in 3:54:02 at men’s 50 kilometer race walking at the 13th National Games in Tianjin on Sept 7.

“This is my third time participating in the National Games, and my previously best record was fifth place. Though I am eager to stand on the podium, it certainly wasn’t easy for me,” claimed Xu during a post-game interview.

Born in Inner Mongolia, Xu and teammates won a group championship at men’s 50km of IAAF Race Walking World Cup in Mexico in 2010, and took third place at men’s 20km in 12th National Games in Shenyang.

In May 2016, Xu took 19th at men’s 50km of IAAF Race Walking Group Tournament in Roma, Italy, marking the best individual performance among Chinese male walkers in the race.

Earlier in May this year, Xu earned his first title with 1:25:31 at men’s 20km in China National Race Walking Championships.

On Sept 7, he made an all-out effort during the last one kilometer of the race to ace the championship. Wang Qin from Shaaxi province and Luo Dongpo representing Tianjin took second and third places with 3:54:46 and 3:54:47 respectively.

Moreover, Inner Mongolian walkers Xie Sichao and Wang Sufu ranked 9th and 19th.

“Actually, I was exhausted reaching around 40km, and my movements began to stiffen up. Then I told myself, just fight! Fortunately, I could persevere through it,” explained Xu.

Xu confessed that the condition of his body and his physical trainings declined with age. “I didn’t expect much before the race, it’s all just good luck.”

Walkers compete during men’s 50km race walking of the 13th National Games in Tianjin on Sept 7. [Photo/Xinhua]