Wu Bixian

Wu Bixian’s family came from Wuxian near Shanghai, but he was born and raised in Tianjin. Already as a child, Wu became interested in various sports. At the Tianjin Xinxue College, he was a member of the basketball and volleyball teams. He also excelled in high jump and pole vault. Wu was coached by 1924 400 m Olympic champion and missionary Eric Liddell. He represented Tianjin twice in the North China Games winning consecutive high jump titles. Wu also set a national record in this event jumping 1.82 m.

At the 1934 Far East Games, Wu jumped 1.87 meters placing fourth. This height stood as a national record for 18 years. After graduation in 1934, he advanced to the Fu Jen Catholic University and was selected for the Chinese team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The 28 days long journey without training took its toll and Wu fell behind his previous performances and failed to qualify for the final round.

Later Wu moved to Hong Kong for business. In 1971, he emigrated to the United States and continued to be involved in the promotion of sports among the Chinese community. He founded the Chinese American Sports Association in 1979 and organized the National Chinese Games several times. In 1991, Wu was appointed honorary president of the Asia Pacific Shooting Association.

Personal Best: HJ – 1.88 (1934).