GDUFS’s Alumnae Make History in Rio

FENG Shanshan, an alumnus of the Faculty of English Language and Culture in GDUFS, clinched the first medal for Chinese golfers at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games after the final round of the women’s event on August 20th. As women’s golf returned to the Olympic stage after 116 years, FENG claimed the bronze medal with a total of 10-under-par 274. Another alumnus of the School of Journalism and Communication, LIN Xiyu, finished the first hole-in-one in the women’s event of the Olympic Games on August 19th.

Before the Rio Olympics, SUI Guangjun, the Secretary of Party Committee of GDUFS and ZHONG Weihe, the President of GDUFS, sent best wishes to FENG and LIN. GDUFSers also cheered for the two athletes during the competition. Guangdong Golf Association and GDUFS sent congratulatory letters to the two after the Games, praising their wonderful performances in Rio, which had interpreted the Olympic spirit, inspiring national patriotic enthusiasm.

FENG's medal was undoubtedly helpful in promoting the development of golf in China.

"China is a very strong country in sports, claiming many gold, silver and bronze medals in the Olympics. Maybe my bronze medal doesn't mean that much to the big picture, but to myself, it means a lot, because it's back to the Olympics after over 100 years.

"This is actually the first time that Chinese athletes have competed in this event at the Olympic Games. For four of us here, if anybody can have a good result, it will really change everything for golf in China. Finally I did it, which made me happier about it", commented FENG.

LIN’s performance also made history in Rio. She achieved the feat in the 8th hole.

“Standing in front of the 8th hole, I expected the chance to come, telling myself to hit the ball as close as possible to the hole. That shot was really fantastic,” said LIN.

This is not the first time that GDUFS’s alumnae have clinched medals in the Olympic Games. Early at the 2012 London Olympics, LUO Xi took the silver medal in the synchronized swimming.

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