Xu Yongjiu

Xu Yongjiu (; born 29 October 1964) is a Chinese former racewalking athlete. She was Asia's first world champion in the sport.

From the Chinese province of Liaoning, Xu trained at the Hebei Xinglong National Athletic Training Base.

She had the greatest season of her career in 1983. On her international debut at the 1983 IAAF World Race Walking Cup she came away with the gold medal, also leading China's women to a team victory. This made her Asia's first ever world champion in racewalking. She claimed the first ever women's walk title at the National Games of China later that year, beating all national opposition in 49:04 minutes.

Xu attempted a title defence at the 1985 IAAF World Race Walking Cup, but lost out in a close affair in fifth place, ten seconds behind the winner. She was again part of the gold medal-winning team as the Chinese women were led by the top two finishers Yan Hong and Guan Ping. In terms of time she ranked third globally that year, with 44:45 minutes, behind only her countrywomen Yan and Guan.

Her final appearance at global level came at the 1987 IAAF World Race Walking Cup, but this was among the worst results for her country at the competition, as the trio of Xu, Yan and Guan were all disqualified for foot lifting, leaving the national team down in an historic low of ninth place.

International competitions