Good news keeps coming from the rowing course at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games! Zhang Xinyu, a 2025 undergraduate at the School of Competitive Sports, stayed composed under pressure to win gold in the women's single sculls.

The women's single sculls final took place on Sept. 24. Making her Asian Games debut, Zhang stayed calm and settled into her rhythm before launching an all-out sprint over the final 500 meters, crossing the line first in 7:21.53. The victory also gave China its first Asian Games title in the women's single sculls in eight years.

In the single sculls, athletes race not only against the wind and waves, but also against themselves. At just 19, Zhang withstood the pressure of a major competition and dug deep to earn this hard-fought gold, proving herself on the Asian stage.

On the blue water, youth and grit were on full display. Congratulations to Zhang Xinyu on realizing her Asian Games dream. We look forward to seeing more WHSU athletes shine at the Games!