Quick Facts
LeoBiography
Xu Haifeng (simplified Chinese: 许海峰; traditional Chinese: 許海峰; pinyin: Xǔ Hǎifēng, Born August 10, 1957 in Zhangzhou, Fujian) is a male Chinese pistol shooter, and the first person to win a gold medal for China in the Olympic Games. He specializes in the 50 metre pistol event. He is a native of He County, Anhui.
The first gold medal for China was won by Xu in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, while his teammate Wang Yifu won bronze. After retiring in 1995, he became a coach for the 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.
Xu is married to Zhao Lei, the daughter of his coach in the Chinese National Shooting Team. They have a daughter, Xu Jia.
Xu is currently the Deputy Director of Chinese Cycling and Fencing Administration Centre.
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 movie was directed by Wang Fangfang (Chinese: 王放坊) and stars Li Dongxue (Chinese: 李东学) as Xu Haifeng.