Xu Haifeng Explained

Xu Haifeng should not be confused with Xu Haifeng (canoeist).

Xu Haifeng
Native Name:许海峰
Native Name Lang:zh
Birth Date:1 August 1957
Birth Place:Zhangzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China

Xu Haifeng (; born August 1, 1957) is a male Chinese pistol shooter. He specializes in the 50 meter pistol event. He was born in Zhangzhou, Fujian and joined Anhui province's shooting team.

Xu won the gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the first time that an athlete of the People's Republic of China won a Summer Olympic gold medal. After retiring in 1995, he became a coach of Chinese National Shooting Team.

Xu was the torchbearer to bring the Olympic Torch into the Beijing National Stadium, near the end of the 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony. He also carried the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Asian Games. Xu is married to Zhao Lei, his coach's daughter in the Chinese National Shooting Team. They have a daughter, Xu Jia. Xu is the Deputy Director of the Chinese Cycling and Fencing Administration Center.

Portrayals and coverage in media

On October 14, 2012 a movie based on his life leading up to his Olympic gold medal, "Xu Haifeng and His Gun" premiered in China. The film was directed by Wang Fangfang and stars Li Dongxue as Xu Haifeng.

References