Even though her name is far from a household word in China, Xu Lijia ranks among the top sailors in the world after becoming the nation's first Olympic sailing medalist in 2008.

The young sailor won her first gold medal at the World Championships 10 years ago when she was only 15, and followed that with a bronze in the Laser Radial competition held in Qingdao as part of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Xu said sailing is attractive because it is "full of changes" and "gives a free and delightful feeling that I can't find in everyday life".