Gold medalist Lu Zhuoling (C) of China, silver medalist Zeanne Law (L) of Singapore and bronze medalist Chin Sy Xuan Sydney of Malaysia pose during the awarding ceremony for the women's Taijiquan-Taijijian final of Wushu event at the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

After the competition, Lu Zhuoling broke into tears, which was completely different from the composed demeanor she showed on the mat.

"It's my first time competing at a world-class event. I was nervous, but even more excited," said Lu, moments after stepping off the mat with China's first gold medal of the Chengdu World Games.

On Friday night, the 21-year-old claimed the women's Wushu Taijiquan-Taijijian title in her first international appearance, taking the gold just days before her 22nd birthday, which she said was the best gift she could imagine.

"The audience gave me so much applause. It really encouraged me," she said.

Though young, she has practiced Wushu for over 12 years and regards it as inseparable from her daily life, earning the proud title of a Wushu fanatic from friends and coaches.

"It helps you stay grounded, and over time you become steady in everything you do," she said.

Her secret?

"You have to endure the loneliness," she said. "Every move requires strength, and it's not mastered overnight. Repeating it again and again, day after day, has only strengthened my commitment to this path."

Wushu, also known as Kungfu, is a collective term for Chinese martial arts that embody the culture and spirit of Chinese traditions. With its wide variety of techniques and strong appeal to spectators and TV audiences, Wushu serves as a cultural bridge between China and the world.

"A lot of my opponents today are old friends. We spar together in our free time," she said. "Training and competing with them has expanded my horizons and deepened my understanding of the sport."

Wushu enjoys a wide base in China, with more than 148 million practitioners nationwide, according to the General Administration of Sport of China.

"Wushu is a treasure of Chinese culture. I hope more people get to know it and truly love it," Lu said.

For Lu, winning China's first gold in Chengdu is more than a personal triumph - it's a motivation.

"Seeing so many athletes from around the world love Wushu really moves us," she said. "I hope to stand on bigger stages, like the Olympics, in the future to share the spirit at the heart of Chinese martial arts."