Jingkun Xu: "A dream come true!"

It's a dream come true for me, an indescribable emotion. I've worked so hard to get to this point, and to experience this moment is just amazing! After 99 days at sea, completing the full circle is the most intense moment of my life. I am deeply happy.

The Vendée Globe is the most difficult event in the world, not only in terms of sailing, but also in many other ways. It's an extreme mental and physical challenge. If I had to choose the most difficult moment of this race, it would be five days ago. No one would have imagined that I would break down a generator so close to the goal, thus depriving me of electricity. That was the only moment I really thought I might have to give up. Nothing was working anymore. But immediately, I remobilized to find a solution. I managed to repair a hydrogenerator, which allowed me to continue my race and finish here today!

There were many wonderful moments during this race. If I had to choose one, it would be the day I escaped the Southern Ocean. I arrived in a windless zone, where the sea was absolutely calm, like a mirror. I was able to watch the sunrise and sunset reflect on the water, beautiful images that will remain forever etched in my memory. In addition, I have received a lot of messages of support, especially from children. Some sent me drawings, others sang for me. One school in Marseille particularly touched me: the students spent a whole day working with one hand, putting a sock on the other, to better understand my condition. This gesture moved me deeply. That also gave me a lot of courage.

From the outset, the pain set in, because the manoeuvres followed one another without respite. I had to move very heavy stuff constantly, without ever being able to rest the  joint. That's why the pain is still there today. That was really my main problem during this event. But now I'm leaving that behind, because I've finally finished!

There have been many difficult moments in my daily life at sea, but I have grown because of them, both as a man and as an athlete. For me, giving up was never an option: I wanted to go all the way. My only choice was to fight and face every difficulty. I hadn't been able to adapt the boat to my disability. It's a machine designed for people with two hands, so inevitably, I encountered real obstacles. But in the end, we all have unexpected strengths within us. You can accomplish anything and overcome anything!

Before I participated, very few Chinese knew about the Vendée Globe. But thanks to all the communication we have done, especially on social networks, hundreds of thousands of people have followed us. I sincerely hope that it will inspire young people, make them want to sail, give them the courage to pursue their dreams and go beyond their limits. I tried to share my adventure and my joy with as many people as possible. Throughout the race, this exchange gave me energy and helped me stay positive, even in difficult moments.

This is a very important point for the sailors. I had heard a lot of stories and tales from other sailors, but this time it was me. I was able to see it with my own eyes, and I was very moved. At that moment, I thought back to all the difficulties I had gone through and the efforts made to get to this point. It was both a real landmark in my career and a strong symbol.

Yes, 8 is a lucky number in China, a symbol of fortune and prosperity, as its pronunciation in Mandarin ('bā') resembles the word 'fā', which means to prosper or succeed. And I'll need it to help me continue and come back to the Vendée Globe... because this is only the beginning!

Yes I had a hard childhood and was in a corner, in a very dark place. It was hard to experience at the time, but I have learned that every time I meet a difficulty I face up to it and move forwards and I try to solve all my problems and so in the end my childhood gave me the courage to solve all my problems and gave me the strength to always look forwards.