By Lola Green
On the dazzling international stage, a Chinese athlete has captivated judges and audiences alike with the elegance and power of her aerobics. She is Yifei Wang, who has carved out a story of glory and personal breakthrough through relentless effort. Her achievements have not only brought honor to her country but also breathed new life into the sport of aerobics.
In 2013, Yifei Wang took a pivotal step in her professional career by competing in the World Aerobic Championship, a prestigious event that gathers top athletes from around the globe. The competition was fierce, with a level of intensity difficult to imagine. Representing the Chinese national team as a core athlete, Yifei participated in the women’s single routine, trio routine, and five-person group routine. Through her steady performances and outstanding technique, she won second place in the women’s single routine, second place in the trio routine, and first place in the five-person group routine.
Photo Courtesy: Yifei Wang
“Standing on the podium, I felt proud not only of my hard work but also of the opportunity to represent Chinese aerobics on the world stage,” Yifei Wang recalled. This competition showcased the high standard and potential of Chinese aerobics to the international community and solidified Yifei’s extraordinary prowess in her field. Her performance not only received high praise from international judges but also paved the way for greater global recognition of Chinese aerobics.
While shining brightly on the international stage, Yifei Wang never neglected her growth and challenges on the domestic front. In 2012, she demonstrated her dominance in the National Aerobics League, securing championships in both the trio and six-person routines, making her one of the standout athletes of the competition. These achievements not only validated her technical expertise but also cemented her leadership position in China’s aerobics community.
In 2018, Yifei participated in the Third National Sports and Arts Festival for University Students, delivering a performance full of emotion and flawless movements that won the audience’s applause and earned her the silver medal. These experiences enriched her professional resume and deepened her understanding of the artistic elements of aerobics.
Photo Courtesy: Yifei Wang
As an athlete, Yifei Wang has always believed that the essence of sports is not merely about winning or losing but about the dissemination of culture and spirit. Over the years, she has actively participated in major sports exhibitions both domestically and internationally. Through the artistic expression of aerobics, she has showcased the charm of Chinese sportsmanship to the world. Her involvement spans numerous prestigious events, including the opening ceremonies of the 8th and 9th International Film Festivals, the CCTV Network Spring Festival Gala, as a special guest at the 2019 Zhongguancun Dance Festival’s opening ceremony, activities marking the 1000-day countdown to the Beijing Winter Olympics, and the opening ceremony of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. These grand events have provided her with a platform to present the art of aerobics, allowing more people to experience and appreciate its unique charm. These experiences have not only enhanced her personal influence but also played a positive role in promoting the development and recognition of aerobics as a sport.
Photo Courtesy: Yifei Wang
“Aerobics is not just a competitive sport; it is also a form of artistic expression,” Yifei Wang emphasized. She hopes her efforts will help people see the adaptability and expressiveness of aerobics across different cultures and settings. By breaking the boundaries between competition and art, she has infused the sport with a broader meaning.
“Every competition, every performance, is an opportunity to represent this sport,” Yifei Wang stated. Through her dedication, she hopes to inspire more young athletes to join aerobics and discover their own paths and strengths.
Yifei Wang’s story is not just a journey of competition but also an exploration of cultural exchange. Her efforts have elevated aerobics to an internationally recognized sport and made it a part of Chinese culture that shines brightly on the world stage. In the future, Yifei Wang aims to continue her passionate advocacy for aerobics, bringing the sport to more countries and regions, and making it a bridge that connects China with the rest of the world.
This article, written by Lola Green, was published by Rachel Hamilton.