Testing the depths of their character

Getting into a dragon boat requires discipline, determination and courage, Xing Wen reports.

Perpendicular to the starting line, five slender dragon boats bob gently on the surface of the water, separated into different channels marked with bright yellow buoys. The setting is almost serene and gives no indication of the anguish and pain that is about to come.

"Nanjing University!" came the amplified voice from the starter, shattering the silence.