Qingdao youth competes at global sailing event
Recently, the 2024 OP-level Sailing World Championship concluded in Argentina. Zhang Rongkai, a 12-year-old prodigy from Qingdao, represented Team China fearlessly sailing through the winds and waves of Argentina, achieving commendable results.
Zhang, a seventh-grade student at Maidao Middle School, Qingdao, has been practicing sailing for only four years. Initially training with the school's sailing team, he later joined a local sailing club, gradually evolving from a novice to a key member of Qingdao's sailing team. In April 2024, he passed the selection at the National OP Sailing Championship and was chosen for the Chinese National Youth Team.
Since 2023, Zhang has shone in various national and provincial OP-level sailing competitions, winning titles such as first place in the Australian Victoria State Championship, second place in the National OP Sailing Championship, and first place in the Shandong Province Primary and Secondary School league.
The competition in Argentina has notoriously challenging winds and waves, placing high demands on physical fitness and skills. Zhang, draped in China's flag, calmly prepared for the competition, continuously refining his technical details during training. He stated, "In this competition, I hope to advance to the team event with my teammates and strive for the national team."
Zhang Rongkai from Qingdao competes at the 2024 OP-level Sailing World Championship concluded in Argentina. [Photo/WeChat account: qdlsmdzx]