At the 12th National Ethnic Games, Hainan province celebrated a double victory as local athletes swept the men’s and women’s titles in the debut of coconut tree climbing—a sport rooted in the island’s daily life.
Luo Jun, from the Li Minority, clinched the men’s gold with an impressive time of 6.188 seconds. In the women’s category, Hainan’s own Fu Shijun took the top spot, finishing in 6.663 seconds. Both athletes showcased their exceptional skills in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Southwest University Sanya Middle School.
Coconut tree climbing, now an official event, originates from the traditional practice of scaling trees to harvest coconuts—a common task for locals seeking fresh coconut water. The sport tests participants’ speed and technique as they race up a slender timber pole to hit a button at the top.
“I’m so excited,” said Luo Jun after his victory. “I’ve dreamed of winning the title but never expected it to actually come true. In Hainan, we often climb trees to pick coconuts. Now, everyone is learning about this sport. It’s a fantastic way to promote and raise awareness of Hainan’s traditional sports.”
Fu Shijun, a sprinter by training, attributed her win to her explosive power. “When I was younger, I always wanted to climb trees to drink fresh coconut water but didn’t have the strength. Now that I’m stronger, I decided to try the sport and fulfill that childhood dream. Winning the first-ever title at home feels incredible,” she shared.
The inclusion of coconut tree climbing in the National Ethnic Games highlights the rich cultural heritage of Hainan province and brings national attention to traditional sports. With their inspiring performances, Luo and Fu have not only achieved personal dreams but also shone a spotlight on their community’s unique traditions.
Reference(s):
12th National Ethnic Games: Hainan sweep coconut tree climbing titles
cgtn.com
