China dominates the Seamanship Race on Day Two of the 54th WMC Naval Pentathlon
WUHAN (CHN) — The 54th WMC Naval Pentathlon, hosted at the Mulan Lake Campus of the Naval University of Engineering in Wuhan, entered its second day of competition with the highly anticipated Seamanship Race, a discipline that lies at the heart of naval tradition and skill.
This CISM-specific event tests the sailors’ core maritime abilities, combining a series of tasks that simulate real-life naval challenges. According to the CISM Naval Pentathlon Regulations, the Seamanship Race requires competitors to demonstrate precision, strength, and technique through exercises such as line throwing, sail handling, knot tying, and rowing coordination. The course demands both physical endurance and strategic teamwork, reflecting the authentic conditions faced by naval personnel during operations at sea.
Under clear skies and ideal race conditions, 21 women from seven nations and 45 men from nine countries competed fiercely in the waters of Mulan Lake.
The Chinese delegation once again delivered a masterclass in performance, claiming all six medals across both the men’s and women’s events.
In the women’s competition, Li Shun secured the gold medal with a time of 3'29"18, followed closely by her compatriots Zhang Na and Xiao Jiahui, who completed the all-Chinese podium with times of 3'35"99 and 3'52"97 respectively. Their flawless coordination and technical mastery drew strong praise from both judges and spectators, highlighting the excellence of China’s naval training programs.
The men’s Seamanship Race mirrored the same dominance. Ye Rentang of China clinched first place in 3'35"28, with Cheng Fengxuan and Guo Ziyuan taking silver and bronze, recording times of 3'39"58 and 3'41"85 respectively.
The precision of their maneuvers, combined with tactical synchronization, reaffirmed China’s depth of talent and preparation in this complex naval discipline.
Behind the leaders, athletes from Brazil, Spain, Italy, Iran, Australia, and South Africa also demonstrated remarkable effort and sportsmanship, underscoring the truly international spirit of CISM competition. Each team approached the Seamanship course with professionalism and resilience, proving once again that the Naval Pentathlon embodies CISM’s motto: Friendship through Sport.
With the Seamanship events concluded, the Championship moves into its next stage with the Utility Swimming Race, where competitors will be tested on underwater control, cargo transport, and survival technique — another demanding step in the five-event pentathlon that celebrates the universal skills of naval personnel.
The 54th WMC Naval Pentathlon continues this week at the Mulan Lake Campus in Wuhan, bringing together military athletes from across the world in a display of discipline, endurance, and camaraderie.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and Chinese Delegation to CISM)
