A sport for all

Xu said that contrary to popular belief, sailing is by no means an expensive sport, and the entry barrier is much lower than people think, both in terms of skill and cost.

"Unlike many other sports, sailing does not hinge on a participant's physicality," she said.

"With more than 100 sailing classes to choose from, people of any size or age can easily find one that is suitable for them," Xu said, adding that many yachting clubs also offer basic affordable training programs.

Efforts to popularize the sport do not simply depend on the authorities and sporting organizations－amateur participants such as Jerry can also play a key role.

Since he began sailing two years ago, the boy has become a firm advocate of the sport, introducing it to his classmates, teachers and friends outside of school.

Following Lu's Olympic triumph, Jerry invited his classmate on a day trip to watch his training sessions on Dianshan Lake in a Shanghai suburb.

"Come and enjoy, you won't be disappointed," he told his friend. "We have many older sisters and brothers in the team who are just as good as the champion Lu Yunxiu!" Li Yange contributed to this story.