When discussing the world’s elite in backstroke swimming, China’s Xu Jiayu invariably stands out. At 28 years old, Xu has established himself as a dominant force in the pool, and his eyes are firmly set on achieving Olympic glory at the Paris 2024 Games.
Xu’s journey on the international stage began with his Olympic debut at the London 2012 Games, where he gained valuable experience despite not reaching the podium. He rebounded impressively at the Rio 2016 Olympics, clinching a silver medal in the 100m backstroke. At the Tokyo Olympics, he added another silver to his collection as part of China’s 4x100m mixed medley relay team.
His form has remained exceptionally strong in recent years. At the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, Xu dominated the men’s 100m backstroke final, claiming gold with a remarkable time of 52.05 seconds. This performance not only secured his position atop the season’s best but also showcased his readiness for the upcoming Olympic challenge.
In April, during China’s National Swimming Championships—which doubled as the Olympic trials—Xu continued to demonstrate his prowess. He won the 100m backstroke with a time of 52.39 seconds, ranking him fourth globally for the year. Notably, he was just a fraction behind American rival Ryan Murphy, who posted a time of 52.22 seconds at the U.S. trials.
Xu’s consistent excellence positions him as a strong contender for gold in Paris. With his blend of experience and determination, he is poised to make history for the Chinese mainland in backstroke events.
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China's veteran backstroker Xu Jiayu eyes Olympic glory in Paris
cgtn.com
