Ms. Zhu Jinyu, Deputy Director of the Kunming Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, attended the press conference and delivered a speech
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"I know outdoor sports are developing very rapidly in China. I hope to share our years of experience and philosophy in this field so that more Chinese people can fall in love with outdoor sports and enjoy the fun they bring," said Richard. At 36, Richard met Finnish outdoor athlete Elisabeth in a competition eight years ago, and the two got married in 2007. This was not only a milestone in their relationship but also the beginning of a legendary journey in the outdoor sports world. Together, they went on to win four of the world’s top outdoor sports events over the following years: the Raid World Championship, the Seven Star International Adventure Challenge, the Abu Dhabi International Adventure Challenge, and the Wulong International Outdoor Open, achieving an outdoor sports "Grand Slam." In addition, Richard is also an accomplished triathlete, holding the record for the prestigious Challenge Wanaka race in New Zealand and finishing seventh in the globally renowned Xterra World Championships. Richard’s legend also includes his background in a sport that belongs to the opposite season of outdoor activities—freestyle skiing. He represented New Zealand at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics in the freestyle skiing moguls event, finishing 25th.
"In New Zealand, the outdoor sports training system is already very mature. Many people receive professional outdoor knowledge training from a young age. As far as I know, in China, apart from a few schools offering relevant courses, most enthusiasts learn and improve on their own. I think, given the current pace and stage of outdoor sports development in China, there is a need for some training that combines professional theory with practical experience," Richard said. Aside from being a professional outdoor athlete, he also runs a company in New Zealand that specializes in designing paddles and kayaks—a business that naturally evolved from his years of accumulated experience. "It's a pity that there are no water events in this plateau challenge, so we can't share our expertise in kayaking. However, we have brought specialized techniques for running, cycling, rope skills, as well as insights on how to compete and replenish energy scientifically at high altitudes. Perhaps we can share our kayaking techniques at the Red Bull 24-Hour Coastal Challenge in Shenzhen at the end of this year."
In addition to the pre-race training, Richard and Elisabeth will also compete alongside China’s top outdoor athletes Yang Jiagen and Pa Zulazhu as part of the Red Bull Outdoor Team. Normally living in Nelson, a city in the northern part of New Zealand’s South Island, they enjoy abundant sunshine and a warm climate but rarely get the chance to train at high altitudes. "This will be a rare opportunity for both training and experience. Not only will the competition be held at high altitude, but we will also be teaming up with Chinese athletes. In previous competitions, we were always rivals. I know they are very strong in running events. This is our first time competing as a team with Chinese athletes, and we’re really looking forward to this race," Richard said.
In addition to the pre-race training, Richard and Alina will also be representing the Red Bull Outdoor Team alongside China’s top outdoor athletes Yang Jiagen and Pazula. Normally based in Nelson, a city in the northern part of New Zealand’s South Island, they enjoy abundant sunshine and a warm climate throughout the year but rarely have the opportunity to train at high altitudes. “This will be a rare chance for both training and experience—not only is the race taking place at high elevation, but we’ll also be teaming up with Chinese athletes. In previous competitions, we were always rivals, and I know they’re incredibly strong in running events. This is our first time competing as a team with Chinese athletes, and we’re really looking forward to this race,” said Richard.