Wei Yi claims the women's championship title at the 2025 Shanghai Drone Racing World Cup. [Photo/Tide News]

Just weeks before starting senior high school, Hangzhou student Wei Yi had already built an impressive resume: women's champion at the 2025 Shanghai Drone Racing World Cup, a two-time member of China's national team and a Class I National Athlete.

The graduate of Jiangnan Experimental School recently enrolled at Hangzhou No 14 High School's Fengqi Campus after earning admission with outstanding academic results. In 2025, she also represented Zhejiang province at the 15th National Games.

Wei's journey began in a school aerospace model club when she was in Grade 4. Recognized for her dedication and perseverance, she was recommended to Zhejiang's provincial drone racing team, where she received professional training and quickly progressed from local competitions to national and international events.

One of the defining moments of her career came at the 2025 national team trials. After struggling in the opening rounds, she spent the evening reviewing race footage and adjusting her strategy. She subsequently rebounded to qualify for the knockout stage, finishing runner-up in the women's event and securing her second selection to the national team.

Despite a demanding schedule of training and competitions, Wei remained committed to her studies, making the most of every spare moment to complete her schoolwork. She credits drone race with teaching her resilience, focus and composure under pressure.

From a school club to the World Cup podium, Wei's story reflects the growing appeal of drone racing among China's young innovators and athletes.

Wei (L1) takes a photo with her coach (in black) and teammates at the 2023 national team trials.  [Photo/Tide News]