Xu Haijiao competes during a race. [Photo/WeChat account: xs163-net]

Xu Haijiao, a swimmer from Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou, claimed two gold medals at the 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games on Oct 23, competing in the men's 400-meter freestyle-S8 final and the men's 200m individual medley-SM8 final.

In a post-event interview, Xu said that he delivered his usual strong performance in the races. "It's great to compete in my hometown. It will be a wonderful memory to look back on."

Xu credited the enthusiastic cheers of the live audience, which fueled his passion during the competition. Additionally, the support and shouts from his family in the stands provided him with tremendous motivation.

When it comes to managing his energy between two demanding races, Xu believes it's all due to his rigorous training regimen that allows him to handle high-intensity competitions with ease.

Xu claims a gold medal at the 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games. [Photo/WeChat account: xs163-net]

Xu emerged from Hangzhou's Xiaoshan district to become a member of the Chinese national para-swimming team. He has spent over a decade honing his skills.

As a prominent team member of the national squad, he clinched three silver and two bronze medals at the Rio and Tokyo Paralympic Games, consistently breaking Asian and world records. His breakthrough on the world stage came in 2016 at the Rio Paralympics, where he secured two silver and two bronze medals.

At the current Hangzhou Asian Para Games, he is set to compete in four individual events. Looking ahead, Xu stated that he would maintain his composure and give it his all in each competition.

Xu finishes the last run of the Hangzhou Asian Para Games torch relay in Xiaoshan district on Oct 21. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]