by sportswriter Cao Yibo
CHENGDU, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The International World Games Association's mission to "engage with and inspire communities by promoting the positive values of sport" was on display during the 12th World Games in Chengdu, where athletes with diverse career backgrounds excelled in competitions, embodying dedication beyond the podium.
The first gold medal of the Games was awarded after the men's middle-distance orienteering final on Aug. 8. Swiss competitor Riccardo Rancan, a robotics software engineer, claimed the honor.
Though passionate about robotic technologies, Rancan prioritizes sports as essential to his life. His flexible work schedule allows him to train twice daily in orienteering.
"Orienteering has opened up a new dimension in my life," Rancan said. "Sometimes I need to clear my mind, complete work tasks, then return to training."
In Chengdu, Rancan expressed surprise at the large crowds and media attention for his niche sport but said he was proud to showcase orienteering's unpredictable nature - a characteristic of the discipline that originated in Switzerland.
As a multisport event for non-Olympic disciplines, the World Games provides a platform for part-time athletes like Rancan to shine.
Dragon boat racing, an ancient Chinese sport that demands perfect synchronization, made its World Games debut on Aug. 9. Indonesia surged to victory in the open eight-seater 2,000-meter pursuit race, a feat made more remarkable by the team's diverse professional backgrounds.
"Our team includes company employees, police officers, students and more from different regions speaking different languages," the Indonesian coach said. "Dragon boat racing gave us a common goal. We always work as one."
With about 50 million participants worldwide across nearly 100 countries and regions, dragon boat racing's growing global influence suggests more athletes from varied backgrounds may compete at elite levels.
While traditional Chinese sports gain international traction, North American-originated lacrosse is finding its footing in China. The host nation's women's team finished eighth in Chengdu - a milestone after more than a decade of promotion.
Chinese team member Zhou Yunjiang, 32, was introduced to lacrosse by schoolmate Mo Qiwen. Now a bank employee, Zhou has balanced training throughout her 13-year career, often practicing at 6 a.m. before work and returning afterward when possible.
Lacrosse's growth in Chinese schools encourages players like Zhou. Chengdu University alone contributed 16 players to the World Games training roster, with five making the final squad.
For some athletes at the Games, their sport translates directly into professional skills.
Australian lifesaving competitor James Koch, an amateur swimmer, spent six years as a professional lifeguard beginning at age 17. He recalled one dramatic rescue: "I was packing my gear when a family of four got caught in a rip current. The water was over their heads, pulling them farther out. I'm glad I brought them all to safety." During his career, he saved about 20 lives.
All members of Australia's lifesaving team in Chengdu are volunteer lifeguards. Teammate Mariah Jones explained their deep connection to the discipline.
"I started learning lifesaving skills at age 4 when I began swimming," Jones said. "Volunteer lifesaving work is part of our daily routine - saving lives comes naturally to us." ■
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