From start lines around the world to the 7,456-metre summit of China’s Muztagh Atah, Fuzhao Xiang thrives at the intersection of speed and mountain skills. Hailing from a mountainous district of Chongqing, China, the landscape has been a lifelong source of inspiration — and a place to test her limits.

“The mountains are an integral part of who I am, as essential to me as water,” Fuzhao says. “Every time I go into them is a chance to go beyond myself and show what’s possible.”

One of the world's fastest trail runners, Fuzhao has twice finished second at the historic Western States 100, and topped the World Trail Majors rankings in 2025. Now, she has her eyes on longer and more demanding races, as well as expanding her competencies in the mountains to include steeper, more demanding terrain. “It’s one of the reasons I’m so excited to join a team of such accomplished mountain athletes,” she says.

2nd place, Western States Endurance Run, 2025

1st place, Yunqiu Mountain Trail by UTMB 100K, 2025

1st place, Ultra-Trail Xiamen by UTMB 50K, 2025

1st place, Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB 100K, 2024

2nd place, Western States Endurance Run, 2024

4th place, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, 2023