Jiaxing youngster becomes national surfing champion
Liu Bowen (third from right) on the podium of the 13th Wanning International Surfing Championship. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]
Liu Bowen, a young surfer from Jiaxing, won two gold medals in the men's shortboard U15 group and team competition at the recently-concluded 13th Wanning International Surfing Championship in Hainan province. He also became the first individual champion of surfing in the history of Jiaxing.
The competition was held in Riyue Bay, a famous surfing paradise. More than 200 athletes from 15 provinces competed in different groups and events, such as shortboard, longboard, individual, team and relay competitions.
Liu showed his courage and skill in the men’s shortboard U15 group, winning both the individual and team titles. Another young player from Jiaxing, Long Quanshun, also performed well, earning silver in the men's shortboard team relay in the U18 group.
Liu Bowen did not start his athletic career with surfing, but instead with trampoline. His coach, Ye Shiqiang, lauded both his talent and dedication. Liu exhibited a remarkable ability to grasp trampoline skills faster than his peers winning him numerous provincial championships.