From October 2 to 3, the 2025 Head of Shanghai River Regatta (HSRR) kicked off on the Suzhou Creek. The event featured two major categories: the 4.2-kilometer Chase and the 500-meter City Sprint, attracting 50 participating teams and over 650 athletes to compete in a spectacular “race on water.” The ShanghaiTech Boat Club has competed in this regatta for five consecutive years, and this year brought their best results yet—the Men’s Eight and Mixed Eight teams mounted the podium, securing a total of “one gold, one silver, and two bronzes,” marking the highest number of medals won since the team’s debut!
University leaders visited the venue to offer encouragement and cheer for the rowing team members.
Since their debut at the HSRR in 2021, the ShanghaiTech Men’s Eight team has consistently upheld the belief of “breaking through limits,” steadily progressing on the rowing course. This year, the team was a mix of veteran and new strength: veteran Hu Yu, who has been a cornerstone of the team since its inception; rising stars Huo Chengtao and Yin Yuxiang, who have shown tremendous potential after just seven months of training; coxswain Fang Yiping, who provided precise steering and cool-headed decision-making under pressure; stroke Cao Lei, who set a steady rhythm and maintained technical precision at the front of the boat; and power rowers Wang Yibo, Hai Xiaowen, Xia Mingfei, and Liu Kaixin, who delivered consistent strength and endurance at the heart of the boat.
Prior to the race, the team underwent high-intensity training at Qiandaohu Lake, not only achieving new breakthroughs in individual ability but also improving team synergy. Bearing five years of accumulated experience and fighting spirit, and with an eager desire for victory, they cut through the waves on the Suzhou Creek. Their brave efforts compensated for past regrets, ultimately clinching one gold and one silver in the Men’s Eight category, refreshing the team’s best historical result at the HSRR.
ShanghaiTech won the first in Men’s Eight 500-meter City Sprint
The performance of the Mixed Eight team was equally inspiring. Unlike the standard “four men, four women” configuration adopted by most competing teams, ShanghaiTech’s Mixed Eight team competed with a combination of “five women and three men.” Although this team was not the university’s main focus according to its strategy, the athletes were fully dedicated to every training session and race. Coxswain Li Jiayi, despite a left foot injury, insisted on fulfilling her duty with crutches. During the final lead-up to the race, the crew grappled with hurdles like shaky full-boat cohesion and formidable rivals, yet they did not back down. In the end, demonstrating grit and a fighting spirit, this “unexpected” team secured bronze medals in both the mixed eight 500-meter City Sprint and the 4.2-kilometer Chase.
The ShanghaiTech Boat Club is more than a crew that pursues speed and honor, they are also a “big family,” full of warmth and cohesion. Even the substitute members who did not compete have always participated with full enthusiasm: they rushed along the river banks, finding the best angles to photograph their teammates’ competition moments, while loudly cheering them on; after the race, they were the first to greet the athletes, offering refreshments and warm encouragement. Two coaches also provided professional guidance and heartfelt companionship. “In the race, don't strive to gain much, only to lose little,” said Yu Hui, teaching them to approach the competition with a calm mindset. “Be more encouraging to your teammates, and less critical,” Li Xiang earnestly stated, “The Boat Club is a legacy passed down through generations—year after year, some graduate and leave, while fresh talent joins. But I hope every member will treasure the bond of ‘sharing the same boat.’ This rare friendship is our most precious gain.”
Awards:
Men’s Eight 500-meter City Sprint: Gold
Men’s Eight 4.2-kilometer Chase: Silver
Mixed Eight 500-meter City Sprint: Bronze
Mixed Eight 4.2-kilometer Chase: Bronze
Participating members:
Team leaders: Li Zhenzhen, Qin Huimin
Coaches: Li Xiang, Yu Hui
Men’s Eight: Fang Yiping (Coxswain), Hu Yu, Cao Lei, Wang Yibo, Hai Xiaowen, Xia Mingfei, Liu Kaixin, Huo Chengtao, Yin Yuxiang, Ma Yue, Yue-Xie Mohan.
Mixed Eight: Li Jiayi (Coxswain), Xie Yijun, Zhang Shuo, Wang Ruichuan, Huang Wei, Zhao Yaqing, Huang Zhejing, Zhang Jingting, Liu Yiwei, Luo Qiancheng, Lai Ziyi, Huang Xiaobo.