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Lin'gang Campus: 2026 National Youth Canoeing U-Series League

October 9, 2026

From September 25 to 27, the 2026 National Youth Canoeing U-Series League (Shanghai · Chongming Station) was held at the Guangming Tianyuan Scenic Area in Chongming. Organized by the Water Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Canoeing Association, the event brought together young kayakers from across the country to compete on the waters of this world-class ecological island.


Since Grade 2, students at Lin'gang Campus have been connecting with the water through the school's kayaking program. Thanks to Lingang's exceptional waterfront conditions, kayaking is more than just a class—it has become part of the children's daily lives. This time, the third graders of Lin'gang Campus took up the banner and formed the core of the team. Some had already competed multiple times, bringing richer experience and a calmer mindset, earning their place as the team's seasoned veterans. Others were competing for the very first time, nervous yet excited, following their teammates and carefully preparing for every start.


Before the competition, the coach stood with the children at the dock, going over paddling cadence, blade entry angle, and energy distribution—every detail mattered. Between training sessions, the children patted each other on the shoulder for encouragement, and in their young voices, there was already the bearing of true athletes.


Medal Standings:

Daniel

U8 Men's Youth K1 200m – 2nd Place

U8 Men's Youth K1 500m – 1st Place

U8 Men's Youth K1 2000m – 2nd Place

U8 Men's Ocean Kayak K2 500m – 3rd Place


Andie

U8 Women's Youth K1 200m – 2nd Place

U8 Women's Youth K1 500m – 2nd Place

U8 Women's Youth K1 2000m – 2nd Place

U8 Women's Youth K2 500m – 2nd Place


George

U8 Men's Youth K2 500m – 2nd Place

U8 Family Canoe 200m – 1st Place


Leon

U8 Men's Youth K2 500m – 2nd Place

U8 Family Canoe 200m – 3rd Place


Jacqueline

U8 Women's Youth K1 2000m – 3rd Place

U8 Women's Youth K2 500m – 2nd Place


Emma

U8 Women's Youth K1 200m – 3rd Place

U8 Women's Youth K2 500m – 3rd Place


Kevin

U8 Men's Ocean Kayak K2 500m – 3rd Place


Chloe

U8 Women's Youth K2 200m – 3rd Place


The Chongming racecourse posed no simple test for these youngest competitors. On the first two days, the sun blazed down and the water's glare was blinding. The children sat in their kayaks with narrowed eyes, sweat sliding down their cheeks, yet not one of them let go of their paddle. On the final day, the weather turned abruptly—drizzle began to fall, then the wind picked up, sending waves rolling across the lake. For these lightweight and relatively inexperienced young paddlers, strong winds and rough waves meant their kayaks could drift off course at any moment, requiring far more effort to stay balanced and on track. The children paddled the full distance in the rain, and when they came ashore, they were soaked through, unable to tell whether it was rain or sweat.


This competition gave the Lin'gang children far more than results. In the sun, rain, and waves, they learned patience, flexibility, and calm. Most moving were the double kayaks moving in rhythm while parents cheered from the shore. It was no longer just an individual contest, but a moment of teamwork and warmth.


A parent watching their child paddle the full course from the shore remarked softly that their child used to be eager to prove they had grown up, but this time, what they saw in the waves was focus. Whether or not a medal was won, this experience would be one of the most valuable lessons in their growth.


The competition will end, but the courage and camaraderie found on the water will stay with them. May the young paddlers of Lin'gang carry the perseverance forged stroke by stroke, and sail toward even farther horizons.























(Written by Shawna Zhang

Pictures by Organizing Committee of the Event,  Chun’ai Xu

Reviewed by Xiaoting Shi, Shiyu Wu)