Introduction

Hi! I am Xiaoxiao Lai, a retired Wushu athlete born on December 3, 1993, with a master's degree in sports education. I am currently a Lecturer in Wushu at Anhui Normal University, a national-level Wushu judge, and the Chair of the Athletes' Committee of the International Wushu Federation. I started training at six and joined a professional team at ten in 2003. Along the way, I have faced many injuries and challenges, but I have never considered giving up. My perseverance paid off: I have won gold medals at The World Games, the World Wushu Championships, the Asian Games, the All China Games, and numerous National Wushu Championships. My goal, however, extends beyond winning medals—I am committed to promoting Wushu culture and inspiring more people to embrace the sport, improve their fitness, and develop strong mental resilience and health. Beyond Wushu, I have a deep love for all sports. No matter the discipline or where we come from, sport unites people across the world, fostering a shared passion and making us one global family.

Education

• 2016 B.A in International Trade and Finance, East China University of Science and Technology 
• 2022 M.A. in Sports Education, Anhui Normal University

Professional activities

• 2003-2023: Athlete, Wushu Team, Anhui Wushu & Boxing Sports Management Center 
• 2015-16, 2022-23: Athlete, Wushu Team, China National Team 
• 2023-present: Lecturer, School of Physical Education, Anhui Normal University 
• 2023-present: Chair, Athletes' Committee, International Wushu Federation (IWUF)

Sports admin functions

• 2024-present Executive Board, International Wushu Federation
• 2023-present Chair, Athletes' Committee, International Wushu Federation
• May 2023, Member, Athletes' Committee, International Wushu Federation

Awards

• 2023: 19th Asian Games, All-Around Women’s Straightsword, Spear – Gold
• 2022: IWUF Athlete of the Year,  Women’s Taolu
• 2022: 11th World Games, Women’s Changquan – Gold
• 2021: 14th National Games of the People’s Republic of China, All-Around Women’s Changquan, Straightsword, Spear – Gold
• 2016: 1st Taolu World Cup, Women's Spear, Gold
• 2015: 13th World Wushu Championship, Women's Spear, Gold

The World Games

1st Place in Wushu (Changquan) at The World Games 2022

World Championships

1st Place in Wushu (Qiangshu) at the 2015 World Championships

World Cup

1st Place in Wushu (Qiangshu) at the 2016 World Cup

Olympic Games

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Dear Athletes, As a professional athlete who has competed at the highest levels and won gold on the world stage, I understand the dedication, challenges, and aspirations that drive us. My experience, combined with strong communication skills and my role as the IWUF Athlete Committee Chair, allows me to effectively represent your voices and advocate for your needs. I am committed to ensuring athletes have a stronger platform, better opportunities, and a say in shaping the future of our sport. Your vote is not just for me—it’s for all of us. Together, we can make a difference. I humbly ask for your support. Thank you!

Q1 Why are you running as a candidate for the IWGA AC?

I am committed to advocating for athletes, improving their experiences, and strengthening sports communities. With my passion and leadership, I aim to foster collaboration and drive progress in IWGA.

Q2 What experience do you have that you would bring to the IWGA AC?

As IWUF's Athletes' Committee Chair, Wushu champion, and national judge, I have extensive experience supporting athletes, organizing events, and fostering sports development on international platforms.

Q3 Why should your fellow athletes vote for you?

Athletes should vote for me because I truly care about their voices, well-being, and experience. With my leadership and event experience, I will work hard to support, connect, and advocate for all.

Q4 What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an athlete?

My biggest challenge was overcoming self-doubt after a major loss. Instead of hiding, I rebuilt my confidence, pushed forward, and proved my true strength to the world.

Q5 How did you become involved in sport?

Inspired by Wushu movie stars, I began training at six. I joined a professional team, competed at the top level, and committed myself to spreading Wushu globally.

Q6 How has sport had an impact on your life?

Since winning a world championship, Wushu has transformed my life. It gave me a mission to promote the sport and connected me with a global family of friends who share the same passion.

Q7 What would be your top three priorities if you were elected?

Athlete advocacy – Ensure athletes' voices are heard and their rights protected. Sports promotion – Expand Wushu and other IWGA sports globally. Event development – Enhance competition standards.

Q8 Describe your personality in three words:

Resilient, optimistic, never gives up

Q9 What are you passionate about?

I'm passionate about Wushu and the power of sports to unite people. My mission is to inspire more people to join us, embrace the spirit of sports, and foster a stronger, connected global community.

Q10 Why is the athletes’ voice important to you?

As a former athlete, I understand the dedication and struggles athletes face. Their voices deserve to be heard, and I am committed to representing them on the global stage.