On the morning of March 27, a middle-aged man holding a thank-you letter and a slightly blurred photo walked into the office of the School of Physical Education. He was searching for the anonymous hero who had saved his daughter from the brink of death.

(Group photo of the rescued girl’s parents, the student who saved the girl, and leaders of School of Physical Education)

Through photo identification, the unnamed hero was confirmed to be Wang Yizhu, a student from Class 2 of the 2021 Physical Education Major at the School of Physical Education. The incident dates back to March 14 by the Sunshui River, where a young girl, overwhelmed by emotional distress, had stepped into the river’s deepening waters unnoticed. The swift currents threatened to engulf her, leaving her life hanging in the balance. At this critical moment, Wang Yizhu happened to pass by. Despite lacking professional rescue experience, he did not hesitate. After quickly assessing the surroundings and forming a rescue plan, he plunged into the river. Battling the current, Wang swam toward the girl while soothing her with a calm and firm tone. After difficult efforts, he finally reached her and pulled her safely back to shore.

The early spring river water was frigid, but after emerging soaked and shivering, Wang prioritized comforting the girl over his own discomfort. He stayed by her side, offering gentle reassurance until she stabilized. Through patient communication, he obtained her family’s contact information. When her parents arrived, overwhelmed with gratitude, they asked for Wang’s details. He simply replied, “I’m a student from the School of Physical Education,” and quietly left.

(Thank-you letter from the rescued girl’s parents)

Wang Yizhu’s courageous act exemplifies his personal integrity and the School of Physical Education’s ethos of “cultivating virtue and nurturing talent.” It also embodies the university’s motto of “compassion fills our campus.” Notably, this marks the second heroic rescue by a student from Class 2 of the 2021 Physical Education Major.

(By Liu Pei and Tang Yuxing; First Review: Luo Danling; Second Review: Xiao Yi; Final Review: Zeng Li)