On November 30, the 23rd China University Swimming Championship (Finals) concluded at the Zhenjiang Sports and Exhibition Center. NEFU sent a team of 10 athletes to compete in this four-day event, and they delivered outstanding results: 2 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals, breaking a championship record. The team achieved third place in the women’s team total score (Group A) and fourth in the overall team total score (Group A). In addition, NEFU was recognized with the Sportsmanship Award. Physical Education Department coach Liu Dan received the Outstanding Sportsmanship Coach Award. Li Tong, a 2024 student from the School of Computer and Control Engineering, was honored with the Outstanding Sportsmanship Athlete Award.

Organized by the China University Sports Federation, the championship attracted 1,470 athletes and coaches from 150 universities, including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Beijing University of Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, and Nanjing University. Among the highlights was the performance of Diao Yifan, a 2022 student from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, who set a new championship record in the 200m backstroke with a time of 2:33.08, winning 1 gold and 1 silver medal. Meanwhile, Hou Yuan, a 2024 student from Aulin College, secured the gold medal in the 50m freestyle, silver in the 100m freestyle, and a bronze medal, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination.

Coach Liu Dan highlighted that this year’s championship reached new heights in participation, with a record number of universities and athletes, including Olympic champions. Despite injuries and intense competition, NEFU’s swim team showed remarkable perseverance and determination, delivering an impressive performance.

Diao Yifan reflected on the intense competition compared to the Northern Regional Championship held in October. She admitted that pre-existing discomfort and recurring injuries before the finals had left her anxious. However, the rigorous training regimen, her experience from previous competitions, and the encouragement from her coach and teammates gave her the courage and confidence to aim for more significant achievements.

Hou Yuan, a freshman athlete, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the university again. “I am deeply thankful to NEFU for providing excellent conditions that allow me to balance academics with my passion for swimming. This experience has made me cherish campus life even more and inspired me to strive for self-improvement, bring honor to the university, and fulfill my dreams.”