Zhou Yuyu

Although born as Zhou Qinliang in Shanghai, Zhou Yuyu was a native of the nearby city of Ningbo. He attended St. John’s High School in Shanghai and in 1926 enrolled in the University of Shanghai. He started long distance and cross country running before winning his five-kilometer walking competition. At the 1928 Shanghai World Race Walking Competition, he won the first place individually and led the Chinese team to win the team championship. Zhou Yuyu repeated this achievement consecutively until 1931, both individually and with the team. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he placed a disappointing 23rd in the 50 km but has the reputation of being the most elegant race walker.

In addition to his efforts as an athlete, Zhou Yuyu was a co-founder of the Shanghai Hongkou Track and Field Team (later renamed Shanghai Baihong Track and Field Team) of the Shanghai Chinese Race Walking Association. When his father died, he continued to run the family’s shipping business. Early in 1936, Zhou Yuyu was Charlie Chaplin’s escort and interpreter during his visit to Shanghai. After World War II, he worked for the Shanghai port authority and served as a member of the Shanghai branch of the National Sports Federation. He retired in 1968 and later lived in Japan. Zhou Yuyu was invited to be involved in Beijing’s bid for the Olympics and attended the 1993 East Asian Games in Shanghai.

Personal Best: 50kmW – unknown.