Click the link to view the full version: WASCZ | 2 Golds, 6 Silvers, 3 Bronzes! Setting Off for the 2026 Qiandao Lake Open Regatta, Rowing with Distinction!
From 2 to 4 October, the 2026 Qiandao Lake Open Regatta kicked off with fierce competition. Four hundred and fifty outstanding rowers from across the country gathered at the venue, racing and vying for supremacy on the emerald waters. After intense and systematic pre-race training, the 19 members of WAS Changzhou rowing team braved the waves and gave their all, securing an impressive haul of 2 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 6 bronze medals, showcasing the distinctive rowing prowess of WAS students on the shores of Qiandao Lake.
Medal Winners
Gold
J. Tong & R. Sun-U16 Men’s Double Sculls 500m
T. Yu & A. Yuan-U13 Women’s Double Sculls 500m
Silver
D. Ding & V. Chen-U13 Men’s Double Sculls 500m
O. Xu & A. Zhou-U16 Men’s Double Sculls 500m
W. Li & F. Sun-U16 Men’s Double Sculls 500m
D. Sheng & E. Huang-U16 Women’s Double Sculls 500m
F. Jiang & E. Li-U16 Mixed Double Sculls 500m
R. Sun & W. Li & F. Sun & E. Huang & F. Jiang & D. Sheng & J. Zhong & Z. Lu & E. Li-U16 Junior Mixed Eight 1000m
Bronze
F. Lin & J. Zhang-U16 Women’s Double Sculls 500m
F. Jiang & E. Li & J. Zhong & Z. Lu-U16 Mixed Quadruple Sculls 500m
E. Li & F. Sun & D. Sheng & E. Huang-U16 Mixed Quadruple Sculls 500m
Teamwork Creates Collective Glory
Qiandao Lake boasts a vast expanse of water and a gold-standard competition course. Before the event, WAS Changzhou rowing team threw themselves into intensive training here.
At the first light of dawn, they were already on the water, training from basic movements and rowing rhythm to boat coordination, refining technique and building rapport. Physical and land-based training was equally important, with strength, endurance and core stability forming key components of daily training, building up power for the upcoming competition. After nightfall, the rowers would review the day’s training under the guidance of Ms Zhang, WAS Changzhou’s rowing coach, analysing technical details and tactical arrangements, constantly adjusting and improving their form.
It is worth noting that of the 19 trainees, 10 were competing in a large-scale official competition for the first time, with the youngest four being just 11 years old. The nerves of the first registration, the apprehension of waiting for the starting gun, and the pressure of truly facing an official course and top rowers from all sides — all of this was transformed into sheer determination as these young rowers pulled on their oars.
Throughout this journey, the more experienced rowers became important companions to the newcomers. During training, they proactively assisted the coach in leading warm-ups and shared rowing techniques and competition experience with their younger schoolmates. On the course, they encouraged one another, cheering on the new rowers and helping them find their racing rhythm more quickly. “How far a team can go depends not only on how strong the best few are, but also on whether there are people willing to lead the new team forward together,” remarked Ms Zhang, WAS Changzhou’s rowing coach. This is precisely the appeal of rowing — only when a group moves in harmony can collective glory be achieved.
A 0.8-Second Victory
Is About Rising Again After a Fall
On the course, we cannot guarantee that every effort will translate into victory. What truly matters is whether one can adjust when facing defeat and, with courage, return to the starting line.
WASCZ rowers O. Xu and A. Zhou experienced just such a test. After the first day’s 1000m double sculls, their result was somewhat disappointing, and they could not hide their frustration as they left the course. However, they did not let this setback be the end. After adjusting and reviewing, they rallied in the following day’s 500m final, giving their all and ultimately securing a silver medal for the team with a mere 0.8-second lead.
In rowing, 0.8 seconds may be just the timing of a single blade entering the water or a subtle adjustment in breathing rhythm, yet victory and defeat often hide within such minute margins. These 0.8 seconds are the perfect testament to their ability to start afresh after defeat and never be disheartened by regret. “The educational value of competitive sport lies in this: you will not win every time. You must also learn to face defeat, learn to lose, and then rise again and keep moving forward,” said Coach Ms Zhang.
Growth and Tempering Through Rowing
For the pupils, the growth brought by rowing unfolds in the day-to-day training, in every race where they give their all, and in every moment spent moving forward side by side with teammates —
T. Yu, Grade6, Gold in Double Sculls
“We rowed many races in a row and were physically exhausted, but my teammates and I kept encouraging each other and persevered together, and we achieved a gold medal. Rowing has also brought me precious friendships and taught me teamwork.”
V. Chen, Grade6, Silver in Double Sculls
“I was very excited and grateful when I learned I had won. I started rowing in Grade 5, and this competition has finally brought my efforts to fruition. I remember the first time I rowed five kilometres in training — I felt exhausted after just one kilometre, but I never expected to grit my teeth and persevere to the end. In that moment, I felt I had grown a great deal. Rowing has taught me perseverance and made me more confident and resilient.”
D. Ding, Grade6, Silver in Double Sculls
“I’ve been rowing for nearly a year, and I’m thrilled to finally have this achievement. Rowing is a sport that greatly tests willpower and endurance, but I persevered with a heart full of passion.”
E. Huang, Grade 8
Silver in Double Sculls & Mixed Quadruple Sculls
Bronze in Mixed Eight
“I won two silvers and a bronze in this competition. I’m happy, but there’s also some regret. I will train even harder and strive for gold next time. During training, my teammates and I went from being uncoordinated at first to becoming increasingly in sync, which made me deeply appreciate the importance of teamwork. Rowing has also strengthened my ability to handle pressure.”
When we shift our gaze away from the podium, we see many more moments worth remembering — the child competing for the first time bravely rowing towards the finish line; the endless training pushing beyond limits; turning to help teammates after finishing a race; rallying and setting off again after defeat…
Together, these moments form the rowing spirit of WAS Changzhou: resilience, unity, and never giving up. Through rowing, pupils learn to grapple with exhaustion and keep going; through teamwork, they learn to trust one another and grasp what team spirit truly means; and between setting off and returning, they learn to face victory and defeat, embrace challenges, and grow ever more resolute — these are the most precious lessons that competitive sport gives to growing up.
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