"After finishing, all athletes lay on the ground, needing a long time to recover," Xie said. He completed the segment in 2 minutes and 7 seconds, just 3 seconds behind the winner, with the event record standing at 2 minutes and 3 seconds.

Preparing for the national competition required a careful balance between work and training. "I spent two hours daily on physical training and reviewed professional knowledge after work or classes," Xie said. He took two weeks of leave from work before the event to refine movement instruction and small-group teaching with his coach.

Currently working as a part-time lecturer at Jiangxi College of Applied Technology, Xie sees growing opportunities in China's fitness sector. "The industry is thriving amid national initiatives like the 'Healthy China' strategy," he said. "Professional, positive coaches enjoy good income and social respect."

His coaching achievements speak to his expertise — he's helped a high school student gain muscle and widen his shoulders during summer training, and a female college student lose 6 kilograms in just one month. "Witnessing clients' transformations gives me an immense sense of accomplishment," he said.

Experts said beyond the personal triumphs of competitors, the competition highlighted broader trends in China's evolving skills cultivation landscape, as vocational education and high-skilled talent are driving national development.

They said regardless of education background, one can become a highly skilled worker and come up with innovative ideas to solve real problems once he or she puts the effort in.

Yang Weifeng's journey at Zhengzhou Yutong Group, a commercial vehicle maker in Zhengzhou, started in 2002 as a chassis assembly intern who meticulously recorded bolt fastening data.

Since then, he has evolved into a senior specialist in new energy and intelligent networking vehicles. "The most ordinary positions can achieve extraordinary results through dedication and innovation," he said.