Friendships beyond competitions

For the student-athletes competing at the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games, it was not just about pushing their limits and breaking records on the field.

Making friends, exchanging pins, and trading jackets—these small tokens of camaraderie—are moments participants will cherish for a lifetime.

Ruoxuan Liu, a cross-country skier from the Chinese delegation, not only competed in multiple events but also made numerous new friends along the way.

Currently a sophomore at Beijing Sport University, the 20-year-old started her journey in skiing during middle school when she was selected luckily. “I was chosen by the coach,” Ruoxuan shared with a smile.

With an impressive athletic background, she competed in the World Cup in Finland five years ago as a professional skier. However, upon enrolling at university and facing the challenge of balancing academics and professional training, Ruoxuan Liu decided to retire from her sporting career. “After starting university, I had much less time for training. It was no longer the same as the professional athlete routine,” she explained.

Last year, an opportunity arose during a university championship where the selection for Torino 2025 took place. “I finished fourth in the trials and made it to the team, representing my country again,” she said.

This is Ruoxuan’s first international competition as a student-athlete. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It’s an incredible honour to represent China in this event. Competing with university athletes from other countries has been such a friendly and rewarding experience.”

“Can I have the panda hat?”

“Do you have an extra panda hat?” This was the first thing Samantha August Paisley, a ski mountaineering athlete from Team USA, eagerly asked when she met the Chinese contingent.

China’s athletes (Ruoxuan Liu on the left) and officials sported an eye-catching uniform set, with the panda-shaped warm hats stealing the show. Ever since the opening ceremony, athletes from around the world had been captivated by the adorable head coverings, with many hoping to trade for one.

Paisley had her heart set on the panda hat. When Ruoxuan learned about this, she decided to make the American’s wish come true. On the afternoon of 20 January, Paisley and her teammates were preparing for their competition at a café near the venue. Ruoxuan contacted her and brought the hat as a gift.

“Oh my gosh, this is so cute!” Paisley exclaimed, overwhelmed with excitement as she held the prized hat in her hands.

Ruoxuan handed it over with a warm smile, wishing her new friend the best of luck in her race that evening. In return, Paisley, speaking in Mandarin, repeatedly said, “Xie xie [thank you],” as she pulled out a USA beanie from her bag as a token of gratitude. The two athletes also exchanged pins featuring different designs and took a picture together wearing their new hats.

Interestingly, Paisley’s fascination with Chinese culture began at the age of 12, when she started learning Mandarin. Now, she can hold basic conversations in Chinese, a skill that seemed destined for moments like this, as she bonded with her new pal from China.

Language barriers, cultural differences and geographical distances might keep us apart, but the passion for sports and admiration for diverse cultures bring people closer together. The genuine connection between Ruoxuan and Paisley exemplifies how sport serves as a bridge, building friendships that transcend borders.

The took place from 13-23 January. Watch all the replays on .

Written by Boyi Yang, FISU Young Reporter, China

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.