Zhanjiang student among four winners of Atlantic race

Kung Fu Cha-Cha crew hold up a national and competition flag after winning the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge on Jan 18. [Photo/stu.edu.cn]

Kung Fu Cha-Cha, a Chinese rowing team comprised of Zhanjiang native Li Xiaobing and three other alumnae from Shantou University, beat off opponents from all around the world to win the grueling Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge on Jan 18.

Not only did they win the race, they did so in a record time of 34 days, 13 hours and 13 minutes. The previous race record for a female team stood at 40 days, 8 hours and 26 minutes, which was set by a British squad in 2015.

This four-woman team was the first Chinese mainland team to sign up and the youngest among all the participants. Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, which has been held annually since 2015, is believed to be the most difficult rowing event in the world.

Contestants had to row about 5,000 kilometers around the clock in a boat less than four square meters without the help of an accompanying ship. There was just one big ocean, four girls, four paddles, muscle power and determination.

Kung Fu Cha-Cha crew hold up a national and competition flag after winning the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge on Jan 18. [Photo/stu.edu.cn]

All kinds of terrible weather conditions arose in the trans-Atlantic voyage, including strong wind, big waves as high as six meters and alerts for earthquake and tsunami. Five teams got cold feet half way.

Kung Fu Cha-Cha set an intense pace right from the start at La Gomera, Spain and kept trying to extend their edge over a pursuing Norwegian team until they finally reached Antigua in North America.

After crossing the finish line, Li said: "We are so proud and excited. We didn't expect to break the record. But when it came true, it was like a dream."

According to her teammate Liang Mintian, the faith that supported them to finish the competition was not simply to conquer the Atlantic, as one truly realizes how small a person is when in the middle of the sea. The competition was rather about pushing the envelope.

The team chose the homophone of Kong Fu, a Chinese martial art that developed over the centuries, as their name in hopes of carrying forward a Kong Fu spirit and continuing to improve.

The four girls light sparklers to celebrate. [Photo/stu.edu.cn]