Impossible is possible for one-armed Chinese sailor

Among the 13 non-French skippers who took part in the 10th edition of the Vendee Globe on Nov 10, Xu Jingkun was the first Chinese sailor to embark on the non-stop solo around-the-world race, despite losing his left arm at the age of 12.

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The son of modest farmers from Shandong province, Xu was not destined to sail the oceans. He lost his left arm up to the elbow after an accident during a fireworks display.

"I discovered that my body was very resilient and my mind too," he said, accentuating the positive. "Also if I hadn't lost my arm, I may never have discovered sailing."

"I'm very honoured to represent China and to be the first Chinese to participate in the Vendee Globe," the 35-year-old added.

"It's quite a complex emotion. I'm very excited because I've been preparing for this race for two years, but I also feel some pressure because the real challenges are yet to come."