World Games final torch bearer Xu wins women's wakeboard freestyle gold

Chinese water skier Xu Lu won gold in women's wakeboard freestyle at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, marking a triumphant return after overcoming injury and lighting the opening ceremony cauldron with a spectacular stunt.

CHENGDU, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese water skier Xu Lu claimed victory in the women's wakeboard freestyle at the 2025 World Games held at the Sancha Lake International Aquatics Center here on Sunday, while Alice Virag of Italy and Argentina's Eugenia De Armas finished second and third, respectively.

"I didn't expect to win gold, but I gave my best today. The cool weather and calm water made everything flow smoothly," said the 21-year-old, who also competed in cable wakeboard but missed the podium.

"The first thing I want to do now is to have hotpot," quipped the spicy-food lover, noting that she had avoided anything spicy for more than two months as part of her diet.

As a child, Xu trained in aerobic gymnastics before being introduced to wakeboarding - a sudden transition that proved challenging for the 11-year-old at that time.

"I was afraid of the water at first, so my first lesson was simply learning to swim," she recalled. "Gradually, I fell in love with the water and with what I do. It has brought me so much joy and kept me in great shape," Xu said, proudly flexing her arm muscles.

The sport has also brought friendship to the outgoing teen. Despite language barriers, Xu formed a close bond with her Italian opponent through simple conversations.

A native of Sichuan Province, Xu soon displayed her talent on the water, earning a spot at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, the United States, though she had to withdraw due to injury.

"Chengdu means a lot to me," said Xu, who finally took the stage at the World Games and grew emotional after receiving her gold medal.

Standing on the podium by the lake was not her only unforgettable moment this August - she was also chosen as one of the two final torchbearers to ignite the historic first World Games main cauldron at last Thursday's opening ceremony.

Together with her teammate Alu Xiaobo, Xu rode the waves generated by a motorboat and lit the spout-shaped cauldron with a stunt-like move, drawing thunderous cheers from the crowd.

"I was really excited and nervous at that moment - it felt just like competing in the final," she said, adding, "The World Games is truly a wonderful stage to let more people know about water skiing." ■