New Victory: 1st Place at Challenge Xiamen, China
After two weeks of training in Chongming, China, I took part in the inaugural Challenge Xiamen on Sunday 10th October 2024. The race featured distances of 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, and 21 km run.
I was excited to compete in this first edition. Having spent the prior weeks training in China, I was well adjusted to the time difference. China now feels like a second home to me, and I felt completely at ease in this environment. It’s worth noting how outstanding the Chinese are at organizing sporting events, and Challenge Xiamen was no exception. The locals’ hospitality, curiosity, and genuine joy in welcoming us warmed my heart, and I cherished these moments of connection.



On race day, the sea was calm, and the swim course consisted of two loops with an impressive Australian exit. From the very start, I pushed hard and quickly took the lead. Feeling in my element, I exited the water in first position.
Under an overcast but humid sky, I set off on the 90 km bike leg, which consisted of three flat 30 km loops. The flat course was deceptively challenging, as it required unwavering focus to maintain a strong pace. I completed the bike course in 2h09 minutes, still in the lead, and moved on to the four running loops.


The heat was intense, making the run particularly tough for all the participants. Staying hydrated and cooling down at aid stations were critical. I was fortunate to have my parents cheering me on from the sidelines—they had traveled all the way to China to support me. Their encouragement was a huge boost, especially during the second half of the run when I began to struggle.
I fought hard and gave it everything I had left to secure a stunning victory. I crossed the finish line in 4h06 minutes 08 seconds, leading the race from start to finish. This achievement was hard-fought, as the race was both physically and mentally demanding.



The atmosphere was incredible: the Chinese spectators were warm and welcoming. The race organization was top-notch, with excellent course safety and well-placed aid stations. After finishing, I stayed to cheer on the remaining athletes, hoping to motivate them to reach the finish line. I was deeply inspired by their determination and admired their resilience.
This victory marked the conclusion of the Challenge Family World Bonus, where I finished as the overall champion for 2024, becoming the youngest winner in history—a title that fills me with pride and gratitude.


A Cultural Journey
Competing in such extraordinary places is an incredible privilege. I always try to make the most of these opportunities to not only race but also immerse myself in the culture and history of the region. After the race, I spent three days in Xiamen with my parents, exploring remote traditional villages in the mountains, including the famous Tianluokeng Tulou—centuries-old earthen and wooden dwellings. These authentic villages were mesmerizing, and it was fascinating to see how the inhabitants live self-sufficiently through strong community support.
We also visited stunning temples that felt like stepping into another world, as well as charming, picturesque villages. Culinary-wise, it was a feast for the senses: between unique discoveries and delicious dishes, we truly indulged.


This race was an unforgettable experience, both athletically and personally. I’m incredibly grateful for these unique moments, the memorable victories, and the enriching cultural discoveries. One more milestone achieved, and I’m already looking forward to the next challenges!



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