Before every race, Hejie Zhang splashes cold water on his face and revs his paddle like a motorcycle — a quirky ritual that now marks a historic moment for Chinese canoeing.
Whatever the reason, it worked in the youngster's favour as he became the first Chinese paddler to make it to a kayak cross final at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in La Seu d'Urgell, Spain.
Up against Manuel Ochoa of Spain, Jonny Dickson of Great Britain, and Jan Rohrer of Switzerland in the men's kayak cross final, the Chinese athlete could not make it to the podium.
But reaching the final itself is something to be proud of, in his debut at senior level.
Click here for live results from Pau
A video call with his parents and sister soon after the final in La Seu will live long in his memory.
“For me, it's a great breakthrough. I think it's a major step for China and Asia. This is my first time on the senior circuit,” Zhang said.
“I have competed at the junior level internationally, but this is my first ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup.
“They [family] were happy with my result, and we had a call after the final. They are always supportive.”
Born in the Fujian Province, Zhang started paddling in 2020. A swimmer before that, he says the sport chose him rather than the other way around.
“I used to do a lot of swimming. But my local coach said that I should try paddling,” he added.
That simple suggestion sparked a special journey for the 19-year-old.
A fan of French Olympic medallist Titouan Castryck, Zhang won the men's kayak title ahead of the experienced Liman Huang and Xingzhou Ming at an ICF World Ranking event in Nan'an earlier this year.
But it is kayak cross that gets him going.
“I do K1 and kayak cross, but kayak cross has many more exciting moments,” he said,
“It makes me feel thrilled. You are always on the edge and must expect all kinds of possibilities.”
Having done a few rounds of training at the Pau-Pyrenees Whitewater Stadium, Zhang is already working on improving his results.
The teenager admitted that a medal would be the dream, but he is also focused on giving it his all.
“The venue in Pau is good but a bit wider than what I am used to in China. But I will try my best to adapt.
“I try to focus 100 per cent on myself. I am always looking for a breakthrough and have a rare opportunity to overtake.
“My rivals are more experienced and stronger than me. So, I must make use of every opportunity, or I will not qualify.”
Acing the races at a spring championship in China got him a place on the Chinese national team for the World Cup Series.
Simultaneously preparing for getting into university this year, Zhang will head to the third stop of the World Cup Series in Prague after Pau.
Then, he will head home to start preparations for the National Games in China, a prestigious competition for athletes across sports in the country.
“I am mostly practising with my provincial team as this year we have the National Games,” Zhang continued.
“I had to go through a lot of hardships to make it to Europe and to be able to represent my province. After Pau, I will go to Prague and then I will have to wait and see. The National Games are the target.
“To participate in the National Games is a huge honour for me. For international events, I am going to have to go through qualification again. I would like to be in Foix for the World Championships, but let’s see.”
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
Join Planet Canoe's YouTube channel for €9.99 per month to unlock members-only content and features
Read YouTube's frequently asked questions for more details.
Related links
