In order to assess their combat abilities, the female amphibious reconnaissance team of Chinese Navy Nanhai fleet carries out an annual exercise to test physical ability, techniques, cooperation and willpower in training and combat drills. The winner is named “Angel of the South China Sea.”

    “I will be with my comrades”

    In waves up to 2 meters, more than 70 people were swimming in the competition. An hour earlier, officer Zhou Cheng could not bear it and took his speedboat near the stragglers, yelling, “Number 71, what’s wrong with you? Aren’t you good at swimming?”

    “I’m fine, sir!”

    “Why are you still here if you are fine? Don’t you want to advance?”

    “I will be with my comrades, sir!”

    Number 071 Zhang Xiaohan, born in 1995, was a new recruit in 2013. Zhou knew her as she had won second place in a 5-kilometer swim two days before, which also qualified her for the Angel of the South China Sea competition.

    Zhang dragged Ge Ke and Li Xiaoqian, who were in the same squad, on to the shore. She looked back to see her last few colleagues running out of stamina. “They were really worn out, drifting at sea without moving.” Zhang decisively turned back to drag them out. Seeing the scene, the competitors who had finished the swim shouted encouragement.

    Creeping and pulling herself through the wire, Zhang, covered in mud and sand, almost missed advancing to the next round. In the later knock-out contest, including a 20-kilometer race with kit and swamp crossing, Zhang continued to help contestants in need. Luckily, she always made it to the next round.

    Zhang’s luck ran out on the peak of Wushi Mountain. She dragged a swelling foot and was coming last. Commander Wang Wei failed to persuade her to give up the race, and Zhang stubbornly followed the team, when a familiar figure appeared in front of her. “Ge Ke!” shouted Zhang pouncing on Ge. “Walk faster! Ge Ke, you would be ashamed to let me, a cripple, reach the end first!” She pushed Ge who repeated “Never give up” like a machine.

    Although new recruits have less physical strength and expertise, the “never give up” spirit saw Zhang advance to the top 12 for her willpower, and she finally achieved the sixth place.