XU LIJIA is a highly successful sailboat racer who represented China in the 2008 and 2012 summer Olympics.

The 34-year-old won a bronze medal in the women’s laser radial class in 2008 and a gold medal in the same event in 2012, securing China’s second ever Olympic gold in sailing. 

Since her retirement, she is now exploring the games from a different perspective as a sports journalist, and spoke about her experiences to the Morning Star this week.

Q: The Winter Olympics is taking place as the world still grapples with a dangerous pandemic that has closed off international travel for most people. Do you think that gives them a special significance?

A: We can all see that’s a fact, and probably I’m too biased to say, giiven this special circumstance of the Olympics, but it’s totally understandable to give those Olympians, coaches, officials, and media workers the special significance. Since the Olympics is such a big and influential event for the people all over the world, it can create many positive spirits and outlook for people when the world is facing the challenges of the pandemic and a lot of other problems. 

Q: Covering the Olympics as a journalist must be very different from competing at the games. Are you enjoying your new role or do you miss the excitement of competing as an athlete?

A: Both (laughs). If I have the option, I would always choose to compete as an athlete since nothing can give me greater joy and sense of achievement than sailing and competing at the Olympics myself. However, after too many injuries, I have to find another path that can still allow me to enjoy sports, and media seems to be a great platform for me to continue my love with the Olympics. 

Q: You won medals at both Beijing 2008 and London 2012. These were both hailed as outward-looking sporting events celebrating friendly international competition and co-operation. Do you think that has changed in the last 10 years?

A: Sailing has always been a great sport, no matter what your age, gender, height, weight: you can always find a boat that suits you among hundreds of different classes. Apart from the 10 Olympic sailing medals, there are some world-famous professional events like the America’s Cup and the Vendee Globe. Ordinary people have the chance to sail and compete together with world and Olympic champions in numerous regattas all over the globe. So yes, sailing has remained a popular international sport over the decades. 

Q: There have been calls from the United States and some of its allies, including Britain, for a “diplomatic boycott” of the Olympics because of allegations Washington makes about China’s policies in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Do you think the US has any grounds for its stance on the Winter Games or do you see it as part of the wider hostility to China termed the “new cold war?”

A: I’m not paying that much attention in politics. I think sport should be pure sport and it shouldn’t be affected or used by politicians. Olympics has the power to unite people together, and athletes from different countries are mostly very good friends and remain that after their retirement.

Q: What do you make of this diplomatic boycott — has it affected the mood in China, or among athletes competing? As a journalist covering the event, how do you think it is perceived internationally beyond the West?

A: China won’t be affected by that news or information. I don’t know how it is being perceived internationally, but so far China is showing the world how successfully the Winter Olympics is going, and many foreign athletes and team supporters are praising highly the Beijing organisation. They’ve been well looked after and they are enjoying the facilities, food, as well as the competition itself. 

Q: Are these games proving a success for China in terms of its international reach and ties to other countries in your view?

A: Of course. We always say the youngsters are the future, and the Olympics unites so many young people together, and they inspire teenagers globally to be higher, faster, stronger and together. Those Olympians personally experience how wonderful it is competing in China and they will take their first-hand experience and feelings back to their home countries — the true China, not just from the Western media who are reporting without being in China and knowing the truth.