Sitting volleyball’s Yixiao Xu does not have any sporting heroes.
For 13 years she has been relentlessly dedicated to one goal and one goal only: Paralympic gold. Now, on the verge of launching her third attempt to secure the biggest legacy of all, the Chinese star knows exactly where to find the fuel for her fire.
“To this day, I have no idols; I believe that in this sport, at the moment, I am my own inspiration,” Xu said. “I find that I admire myself quite a bit, especially in sitting volleyball.”
So she should. Just last year, in the final major global tournament before the world’s best meet in Paris, Xu was named the best attacker as China took gold in the 2023 World ParaVolley (WPV) Sitting Volleyball World Cup in Cairo, Egypt.Although the USA, the team which relegated China to silver medal position in both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, were not competing, victory was a timely boost for Xu and her teammates.
Game Changers: Meet Yixiao Xu, China’s Sitting Volleyball Superstar 🌟🏐
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Sitting volleyball competitions will be held from 29 August-7 September at the North Paris Arena.The women’s tournament at Paris 2024will feature hosts France, Tokyo 2020 gold medallists USA, silver medallists China, bronze medallists Brazil, Canada, Italy, Rwanda and Slovenia.
“The previous two Paralympics left me with some regrets, as I didn't achieve the coveted gold medal,” the 41-year-old team captain said. “As of now, I am not yet a Paralympic champion, but I am still pursuing that path.”
— World ParaVolley (@ParaVolley) July 28, 2024🇨🇳 Powerhouse Pioneers
China are aiming to reclaim their glory at Paris 2024 and add another gold medal to their storied history! They are set to demonstrate their powerhouse strength once again. #Paris2024 #sittingvolleyball
Read the full story here:https://t.co/znDggA3vSK pic.twitter.com/G4t2Jahi1g
Love at first sight
Born with limited mobility in her left ankle joint, Xu first found sitting volleyball back in 2007. It was love at first sight.
“What captivates me most is the joy volleyball brings me and the spirit of competition and perseverance on the court,” the China star confirmed. “This relentless spirit is something I deeply admire. It embodies an unwavering determination.”
Naturally conscientious, Xu chose to wait until she had finished her studies in 2011 before turning her full focus on the sport. But once it was trained in her sights, she jumped straight in and has never looked back.
“Since 2011 I have been continuously and rigorously training in sitting volleyball without any breaks,” Xu said with a smile.
She knows it takes this level of commitment to reach the very top. To do that in sitting volleyball means defeating the USA. The double defending champions have at times seemed invincible throughout the past eight years.
However, the Brazilians came out firing at the 2022 World Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and defeated the USA in the semi-finals before going on to take gold against Canada in the final.
Add on China’s success last year, and for the first time in quite a while, a handful of teams will be heading to Paris brim-full of belief that this is their time.
One thing is for certain, Xu will not leave any stone unturned in her efforts to ensure that it is China who will be on the top step of that podium in the French capital.
“I believe that to win a medal at the Paralympics, one must inevitably make certain sacrifices and let go of some things,” she said. In my view, all these sacrifices are worth it because, ultimately, achieving a medal is one of our most anticipated goals.
“I believe all (sacrifices) are worthwhile, regardless of the journey's nature.”
From substitute to team captain
Throughout her sporting journey the dynamic athlete has born witness to the extreme diligence of not just sitting volleyball players, but Para athletes across the spectrum. It is a privilege she is relentlessly thankful for.
“Para sports, to me, perhaps represents a form of perception, reflecting how people around me feel and serve as an inspiration to me,” Xu explained. “They also embody a spirit of resilience and self-strength.
“From them, I draw inspiration of relentless perseverance and self-improvement. The spirit of unyielding self-improvement.”
With this in mind she will attempt to put aside her one vice – “My favourite indulgence is desserts, especially all kinds of cakes, I have a sweet tooth for anything sugary” – and focus everything on being an inspiration for others.
— World ParaVolley (@ParaVolley) July 10, 2024Athlete Spotlight: Xu Yixiao
China's captain is on a mission to reclaim Paralympic gold at Paris 2024! With her leadership, Xu is ready to face tough competition. #Paris2024 #sittingvolleyball
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Having started out as a substitute at Rio 2016, Xu has always been a team player.
“I took on that role. I deeply valued every opportunity the coach gave me to play, and I fought for every point with dedication and vigour,” she said simply.
And now, as an invaluable member of the starting line-up, she fervently hopes there is one more weapon that she has in her favour as she attempts to secure the biggest title of her career.
“The cheers and encouragement from spectators will be a significant source of motivation and support for us,” she said, with a smile.
— World ParaVolley (@ParaVolley) June 24, 2024Get ready for Paris 2024! Sitting volleyball fans, it's Games Mode ON! Learn more about the competition, the venue, the teams, and the competition format. What's next? The match schedule! Stay tuned for the next announcement.
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Discover more about the22 sports in the Paris 2024 Paralympic sports programme
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