Exploits of the ice man

"The National Winter Swimming Championship is the ultimate in the country, and there's some really top-notch competition," Xing says. "I've won two silver medals in that."

He is particularly good in outdoor winter swimming and open water swimming competitions, he says, and has won long-distance open water national swimming championships many times.

"Since I was a kid I've loved physical training. I did martial arts at elementary school, and then wrestling. I'm very fit because in addition to swimming I go to the park every morning to do strength training, parallel bars, hand stands and yoga."

What sets Xing apart from most of the others who engage in his sport is that he is a year all-rounder. Many seniors look up to him, he inspires them in their endeavors, and he is a figurehead of winter swimming in Beijing.